Bible Dictionary
STRANGE WOMAN
The “strange woman” in Proverbs is a woman outside the proper covenant and moral order, especially a harlot or adulterous woman. The expression warns against sexual immorality and its destructive influence.
Definition
The “strange woman” is a woman outside the proper social and moral relationship, and in Proverbs the expression is a technical designation for a harlot.
Biblical Usage
The term warns against the influence and conduct of a harlot. Its related use in Judges contrasts a son of another woman with a son of a harlot.
Historical Background
The underlying word originally referred to one who turns aside or visits another country, then to a sojourner or stranger.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>The Hebrew zar, translated "stranger," meant primarily one "who turns aside," i.e. to visit another country; then a "sojourner," "stranger." The "strange woman" of Pr 2:16 is a technical term for "harlot"; compare Jud 11:1,2, where "son of a strange (the Revised Version (British and American) "another") woman" (11:2, 'acher) is parallel to "the son of a harlot" (11:1).</p><p>See STRANGE WIFE.</p>