Original Hebrew
Note: Words are shown in their original Hebrew order, which differs from English translations. This reflects the emphasis and structure of Scripture as originally written. Click any word to see its full lexicon entry.
1 Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice?
הֲ/לֹֽא חָכְמָ֥ה תִקְרָ֑א וּ֝/תְבוּנָ֗ה תִּתֵּ֥ן קוֹלָֽ/הּ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing ¿/ not H3808 הֲ/לֹֽא לֹא lôʼ HTi/Tn wisdom H2451 חָכְמָ֥ה חׇכְמָה chokmâh HNcfsa does she call out H7121 תִקְרָ֑א קָרָא qârâʼ HVqi3fs understanding H8394 וּ֝/תְבוּנָ֗ה תָּבוּן tâbûwn HC/Ncfsa does she give forth? H5414 תִּתֵּ֥ן נָתַן nâthan HVqi3fs her H6963 קוֹלָֽ/הּ קוֹל qôwl HNcmsc/Sp3fs
2 On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand.
בְּ/רֹאשׁ מְרוֹמִ֥ים עֲלֵי דָ֑רֶךְ בֵּ֖ית נְתִיב֣וֹת נִצָּֽבָה
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the] top of H7218 בְּ/רֹאשׁ רֹאשׁ rôʼsh HR/Ncmsc the] heights H4791 מְרוֹמִ֥ים מָרוֹם mârôwm HNcmpa on H5921 עֲלֵי עַל ʻal HR the] way H1870 דָ֑רֶךְ דֶּרֶךְ derek HNcbsa between H1004 בֵּ֖ית בַּיִת bayith HNcmsc the] pathways H5410 נְתִיב֣וֹת נָתִיב nâthîyb HNcbpa she stations herself H5324 נִצָּֽבָה נָצַב nâtsab HVNp3fs
3 Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out:
1
לְ/יַד שְׁעָרִ֥ים לְ/פִי קָ֑רֶת מְב֖וֹא פְתָחִ֣ים תָּרֹֽנָּה
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the] side of H3027 לְ/יַד יָד yâd HR/Ncbsc the] gates H8179 שְׁעָרִ֥ים שַׁעַר shaʻar HNcmpa the] opening of H6310 לְ/פִי פֶּה peh HR/Ncmsc the] town H7176 קָ֑רֶת קֶרֶת qereth HNcfsa the] entrance of H3996 מְב֖וֹא מָבוֹא mâbôwʼ HNcmsc the] doorways H6607 פְתָחִ֣ים פֶּתַח pethach HNcmpa they cry aloud H7442 תָּרֹֽנָּה רָנַן rânan HVqi3fs
4 “To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men.
1
אֲלֵי/כֶ֣ם אִישִׁ֣ים אֶקְרָ֑א וְ֝/קוֹלִ֗/י אֶל בְּנֵ֥י אָדָֽם
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing you H413 אֲלֵי/כֶ֣ם אֵל ʼêl HR/Sp2mp O people H376 אִישִׁ֣ים אִישׁ ʼîysh HNcmpa I call H7121 אֶקְרָ֑א קָרָא qârâʼ HVqi1cs voice/ my H6963 וְ֝/קוֹלִ֗/י קוֹל qôwl HC/Ncmsc/Sp1cs is] to H413 אֶל אֵל ʼêl HR the] children of H1121 בְּנֵ֥י בֵּן bên HNcmpc humankind H120 אָדָֽם אָדָם ʼâdâm HNcmsa
5 O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.
1
הָבִ֣ינוּ פְתָאיִ֣ם עָרְמָ֑ה וּ֝/כְסִילִ֗ים הָבִ֥ינוּ לֵֽב
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing understand H995 הָבִ֣ינוּ בִּין bîyn HVhv2mp O naive people H6612 פְתָאיִ֣ם פְּתִי pᵉthîy HNcmpa prudence H6195 עָרְמָ֑ה עׇרְמָה ʻormâh HNcfsa O fools H3684 וּ֝/כְסִילִ֗ים כְּסִיל kᵉçîyl HC/Aampa understand H995 הָבִ֥ינוּ בִּין bîyn HVhv2mp heart H3820 לֵֽב לֵב lêb HNcmsa
6 Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right.
1
שִׁ֭מְעוּ כִּֽי נְגִידִ֣ים אֲדַבֵּ֑ר וּ/מִפְתַּ֥ח שְׂ֝פָתַ֗/י מֵישָׁרִֽים
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing listen H8085 שִׁ֭מְעוּ שָׁמַע shâmaʻ HVqv2mp for H3588 כִּֽי כִּי kîy HC princely things H5057 נְגִידִ֣ים נָגִיד nâgîyd HNcmpa I will speak H1696 אֲדַבֵּ֑ר דָבַר dâbar HVpi1cs the] utterance of H4669 וּ/מִפְתַּ֥ח מִפְתָּח miphtâch HC/Ncmsc my H8193 שְׂ֝פָתַ֗/י שָׂפָה sâphâh HNcfdc/Sp1cs will be] uprightness<es H4339 מֵישָׁרִֽים מֵישָׁר mêyshâr HNcmpa
7 For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.
2
כִּֽי אֱ֭מֶת יֶהְגֶּ֣ה חִכִּ֑/י וְ/תוֹעֲבַ֖ת שְׂפָתַ֣/י רֶֽשַׁע
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing for H3588 כִּֽי כִּי kîy HC truth H571 אֱ֭מֶת אֶמֶת ʼemeth HNcfsa it will utter H1897 יֶהְגֶּ֣ה הָגָה hâgâh HVqi3ms my H2441 חִכִּ֑/י חֵךְ chêk HNcmsc/Sp1cs is] an abomination of H8441 וְ/תוֹעֲבַ֖ת תּוֹעֵבַה tôwʻêbah HC/Ncfsc my H8193 שְׂפָתַ֣/י שָׂפָה sâphâh HNcfdc/Sp1cs wickedness H7562 רֶֽשַׁע רֶשַׁע reshaʻ HNcmsa
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; none are crooked or perverse.
1
בְּ/צֶ֥דֶק כָּל אִמְרֵי פִ֑/י אֵ֥ין נִפְתָּ֥ל וְ/עִקֵּֽשׁ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing are] <in>/ righteousness H6664 בְּ/צֶ֥דֶק צֶדֶק tsedeq HR/Ncmsa all H3605 כָּל כֹּל kôl HNcmsc the] words of H561 אִמְרֵי אֵמֶר ʼêmer HNcmpc my H6310 פִ֑/י פֶּה peh HNcmsc/Sp1cs there not H369 אֵ֥ין אַיִן ʼayin HTn is] a twisted [thing H6617 נִפְתָּ֥ל פָּתַל pâthal HVNrmsa a distorted [thing H6141 וְ/עִקֵּֽשׁ עִקֵּשׁ ʻiqqêsh HC/Aamsa
9 They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.
1
כֻּלָּ֣/ם נְ֭כֹחִים לַ/מֵּבִ֑ין וִֽ֝/ישָׁרִ֗ים לְ/מֹ֣צְאֵי דָֽעַת
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing all of/ them H3605 כֻּלָּ֣/ם כֹּל kôl HNcmsc/Sp3mp are] right H5228 נְ֭כֹחִים נָכֹחַ nâkôach HAampa to the/ discerning [person H995 לַ/מֵּבִ֑ין בִּין bîyn HRd/Vhrmsa upright H3477 וִֽ֝/ישָׁרִ֗ים יָשָׁר yâshâr HC/Aampa those who] find H4672 לְ/מֹ֣צְאֵי מָצָא mâtsâʼ HR/Vqrmpc of> knowledge H1847 דָֽעַת דַּעַת daʻath HNcfsa
10 Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.
4
קְחֽוּ מוּסָרִ֥/י וְ/אַל כָּ֑סֶף וְ֝/דַ֗עַת מֵ/חָר֥וּץ נִבְחָֽר
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing take H3947 קְחֽוּ לָקַח lâqach HVqv2mp my H4148 מוּסָרִ֥/י מוּסָר mûwçâr HNcmsc/Sp1cs may not [you take H408 וְ/אַל אַל ʼal HC/Tn silver H3701 כָּ֑סֶף כֶּסֶף keçeph HNcmsa knowledge H1847 וְ֝/דַ֗עַת דַּעַת daʻath HC/Ncfsa more than/ gold H2742 מֵ/חָר֥וּץ חֲרוּץ chărûwts HR/Ncmsa chosen H977 נִבְחָֽר בָּחַר bâchar HVNrmsa
11 For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.
4
כִּֽי טוֹבָ֣ה חָ֭כְמָה מִ/פְּנִינִ֑ים וְ/כָל חֲ֝פָצִ֗ים לֹ֣א יִֽשְׁווּ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing for H3588 כִּֽי כִּי kîy HC is] good H2896 טוֹבָ֣ה טוֹב ṭôwb HAafsa wisdom H2451 חָ֭כְמָה חׇכְמָה chokmâh HNcfsa more than/ jewels H6443 מִ/פְּנִינִ֑ים פָּנִין pânîyn HR/Ncbpa all H3605 וְ/כָל כֹּל kôl HC/Ncmsc pleasures H2656 חֲ֝פָצִ֗ים חֵפֶץ chêphets HNcmpa not H3808 לֹ֣א לֹא lôʼ HTn they compare H7737 יִֽשְׁווּ שָׁוָה shâvâh HVqi3mp
12 I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
אֲֽנִי חָ֭כְמָה שָׁכַ֣נְתִּי עָרְמָ֑ה וְ/דַ֖עַת מְזִמּ֣וֹת אֶמְצָֽא
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing I H589 אֲֽנִי אֲנִי ʼănîy HPp1cs wisdom H2451 חָ֭כְמָה חׇכְמָה chokmâh HNcfsa I dwell H7931 שָׁכַ֣נְתִּי שָׁכַן shâkan HVqp1cs prudence H6195 עָרְמָ֑ה עׇרְמָה ʻormâh HNcfsa knowledge of H1847 וְ/דַ֖עַת דַּעַת daʻath HC/Ncfsc discretion H4209 מְזִמּ֣וֹת מְזִמָּה mᵉzimmâh HNcfpa I find H4672 אֶמְצָֽא מָצָא mâtsâʼ HVqi1cs
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
יִֽרְאַ֣ת יְהוָה֮ שְֽׂנֹ֫את רָ֥ע גֵּ֘אָ֤ה וְ/גָא֨וֹן וְ/דֶ֣רֶךְ רָ֭ע וּ/פִ֨י תַהְפֻּכ֬וֹת שָׂנֵֽאתִי
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the] fear of H3374 יִֽרְאַ֣ת יִרְאָה yirʼâh HNcfsc Yahweh H3068 יְהוָה֮ יְהֹוָה Yᵉhôvâh HNp is] to hate H8130 שְֽׂנֹ֫את שָׂנֵא sânêʼ HVqc evil H7451 רָ֥ע רַע raʻ HAamsa pride H1344 גֵּ֘אָ֤ה גֵּאָה gêʼâh HNcfsa arrogance H1347 וְ/גָא֨וֹן גָּאוֹן gâʼôwn HC/Ncmsa a way H1870 וְ/דֶ֣רֶךְ דֶּרֶךְ derek HC/Ncbsa evil H7451 רָ֭ע רַע raʻ HAamsa a mouth of H6310 וּ/פִ֨י פֶּה peh HC/Ncmsc perversities H8419 תַהְפֻּכ֬וֹת תַּהְפֻּכָה tahpukâh HNcfpa I hate H8130 שָׂנֵֽאתִי שָׂנֵא sânêʼ HVqp1cs
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.
עֵ֭צָה וְ/תוּשִׁיָּ֑ה אֲנִ֥י בִ֝ינָ֗ה גְבוּרָֽה
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing counsel H6098 עֵ֭צָה עֵצָה ʻêtsâh HNcfsa sound wisdom H8454 וְ/תוּשִׁיָּ֑ה תּוּשִׁיָּה tûwshîyâh HC/Ncfsa I H589 אֲנִ֥י אֲנִי ʼănîy HPp1cs am] understanding H998 בִ֝ינָ֗ה בִּינָה bîynâh HNcfsa strength H1369 גְבוּרָֽה גְּבוּרָה gᵉbûwrâh HNcfsa
15 By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;
1
מְלָכִ֣ים יִמְלֹ֑כוּ וְ֝/רוֹזְנִ֗ים יְחֹ֣קְקוּ צֶֽדֶק
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing kings H4428 מְלָכִ֣ים מֶלֶךְ melek HNcmpa they reign H4427 יִמְלֹ֑כוּ מָלַךְ mâlak HVqi3mp rulers H7336 וְ֝/רוֹזְנִ֗ים רָזַן râzan HC/Vqrmpa they enact H2710 יְחֹ֣קְקוּ חָקַק châqaq HVmi3mp righteousness H6664 צֶֽדֶק צֶדֶק tsedeq HNcmsa
16 By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.
שָׂרִ֣ים יָשֹׂ֑רוּ וּ֝/נְדִיבִ֗ים כָּל שֹׁ֥פְטֵי צֶֽדֶק
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing princes H8269 שָׂרִ֣ים שַׂר sar HNcmpa they rule H8323 יָשֹׂ֑רוּ שָׂרַר sârar HVqi3mp noble [people H5081 וּ֝/נְדִיבִ֗ים נָדִיב nâdîyb HC/Aampa all H3605 כָּל כֹּל kôl HNcmsc judges of H8199 שֹׁ֥פְטֵי שָׁפַט shâphaṭ HVqrmpc righteousness H6664 צֶֽדֶק צֶדֶק tsedeq HNcmsa
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.
3
אֲ֭נִי אהבי/ה אֹהֲבַ֣/י אֵהָ֑ב וּ֝/מְשַׁחֲרַ֗/י יִמְצָאֻֽ/נְנִי
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing I H589 אֲ֭נִי אֲנִי ʼănîy HPp1cs love(-d H157 אהבי/ה אָהַב ʼâhab HVqrmpc/Sp3fs those who] love/ me H157 אֹהֲבַ֣/י אָהַב ʼâhab HVqrmpc/Sp1cs I love H157 אֵהָ֑ב אָהַב ʼâhab HVqi1cs those who] earnestly seek/ me H7836 וּ֝/מְשַׁחֲרַ֗/י שָׁחַר shâchar HC/Vprmpc/Sp1cs they find/ me H4672 יִמְצָאֻֽ/נְנִי מָצָא mâtsâʼ HVqi3mp/Sp1cs
18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness.
3
עֹֽשֶׁר וְ/כָב֥וֹד אִתִּ֑/י ה֥וֹן עָ֝תֵ֗ק וּ/צְדָקָֽה
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing wealth H6239 עֹֽשֶׁר עֹשֶׁר ʻôsher HNcmsa honor H3519 וְ/כָב֥וֹד כָּבוֹד kâbôwd HC/Ncbsa are] with/ me H854 אִתִּ֑/י אֵת ʼêth HR/Sp1cs wealth H1952 ה֥וֹן הוֹן hôwn HNcmsa enduring H6276 עָ֝תֵ֗ק עָתֵק ʻâthêq HAamsa righteousness H6666 וּ/צְדָקָֽה צְדָקָה tsᵉdâqâh HC/Ncfsa
19 My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver.
4
ט֣וֹב פִּ֭רְיִ/י מֵ/חָר֣וּץ וּ/מִ/פָּ֑ז וּ֝/תְבוּאָתִ֗/י מִ/כֶּ֥סֶף נִבְחָֽר
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing is] good H2896 ט֣וֹב טוֹב ṭôwb HAamsa my H6529 פִּ֭רְיִ/י פְּרִי pᵉrîy HNcmsc/Sp1cs more than/ gold H2742 מֵ/חָר֣וּץ חֲרוּץ chărûwts HR/Ncmsa more than/ pure gold H6337 וּ/מִ/פָּ֑ז פָּז pâz HC/R/Ncmsa gain/ my H8393 וּ֝/תְבוּאָתִ֗/י תְּבוּאָה tᵉbûwʼâh HC/Ncfsc/Sp1cs more than/ silver H3701 מִ/כֶּ֥סֶף כֶּסֶף keçeph HR/Ncmsa chosen H977 נִבְחָֽר בָּחַר bâchar HVNrmsa
20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
2
בְּ/אֹֽרַח צְדָקָ֥ה אֲהַלֵּ֑ך בְּ֝/ת֗וֹךְ נְתִיב֥וֹת מִשְׁפָּֽט
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the] path of H734 בְּ/אֹֽרַח אֹרַח ʼôrach HR/Ncbsc righteousness H6666 צְדָקָ֥ה צְדָקָה tsᵉdâqâh HNcfsa I walk H1980 אֲהַלֵּ֑ך הָלַךְ hâlak HVpi1cs the] midst of H8432 בְּ֝/ת֗וֹךְ תָּוֶךְ tâvek HR/Ncmsc the] pathways of H5410 נְתִיב֥וֹת נָתִיב nâthîyb HNcbpc justice H4941 מִשְׁפָּֽט מִשְׁפָּט mishpâṭ HNcmsa
21 bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
1
לְ/הַנְחִ֖יל אֹהֲבַ֥/י יֵ֑שׁ וְ/אֹצְרֹ֖תֵי/הֶ֣ם אֲמַלֵּֽא
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing give as an inheritance H5157 לְ/הַנְחִ֖יל נָחַל nâchal HR/Vhc those who] love/ me H157 אֹהֲבַ֥/י אָהַב ʼâhab HVqrmpc/Sp1cs substance H3426 יֵ֑שׁ יֵשׁ yêsh HTm treasuries/ their H214 וְ/אֹצְרֹ֖תֵי/הֶ֣ם אוֹצָר ʼôwtsâr HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp accomplish H4390 אֲמַלֵּֽא מָלֵא mâlêʼ HVpi1cs
22 The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old.
6
יְֽהוָ֗ה קָ֭נָ/נִי רֵאשִׁ֣ית דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ קֶ֖דֶם מִפְעָלָ֣י/ו מֵ/אָֽז
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Yahweh H3068 יְֽהוָ֗ה יְהֹוָה Yᵉhôvâh HNp he created/ me H7069 קָ֭נָ/נִי קָנָה qânâh HVqp3ms/Sp1cs the] beginning of H7225 רֵאשִׁ֣ית רֵאשִׁית rêʼshîyth HNcfsc his H1870 דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ דֶּרֶךְ derek HNcbsc/Sp3ms the] beginning of H6924 קֶ֖דֶם קֶדֶם qedem HNcmsc his H4659 מִפְעָלָ֣י/ו מִפְעָל miphʻâl HNcmpc/Sp3ms then H227 מֵ/אָֽז אָז ʼâz HR/D
23 From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began.
6
מֵ֭/עוֹלָם נִסַּ֥כְתִּי מֵ/רֹ֗אשׁ מִ/קַּדְמֵי אָֽרֶץ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing long ago H5769 מֵ֭/עוֹלָם עוֹלָם ʻôwlâm HR/Ncmsa I was installed H5258 נִסַּ֥כְתִּי נָסַךְ nâçak HVNp1cs the] beginning H7218 מֵ/רֹ֗אשׁ רֹאשׁ rôʼsh HR/Ncmsa the] beginnings of H6924 מִ/קַּדְמֵי קֶדֶם qedem HR/Ncmpc the] earth H776 אָֽרֶץ אֶרֶץ ʼerets HNcbsa
24 When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water.
6
בְּ/אֵין תְּהֹמ֥וֹת חוֹלָ֑לְתִּי בְּ/אֵ֥ין מַ֝עְיָנ֗וֹת נִכְבַּדֵּי מָֽיִם
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing there not H369 בְּ/אֵין אַיִן ʼayin HR/Tn were] [the] deeps H8415 תְּהֹמ֥וֹת תְּהוֹם tᵉhôwm HNcbpa I was brought forth H2342 חוֹלָ֑לְתִּי חוּל chûwl HVOp1cs there not H369 בְּ/אֵ֥ין אַיִן ʼayin HR/Tn were] springs H4599 מַ֝עְיָנ֗וֹת מַעְיָן maʻyân HNcmpa abounding of H3513 נִכְבַּדֵּי כָּבַד kâbad HVNrmpc water H4325 מָֽיִם מַיִם mayim HNcmpa
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth,
6
בְּ/טֶ֣רֶם הָרִ֣ים הָטְבָּ֑עוּ לִ/פְנֵ֖י גְבָע֣וֹת חוֹלָֽלְתִּי
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing in>/ before H2962 בְּ/טֶ֣רֶם טֶרֶם ṭerem HR/D mountains H2022 הָרִ֣ים הַר har HNcmpa they were planted H2883 הָטְבָּ֑עוּ טָבַע ṭâbaʻ HVHp3cp to>/ before H6440 לִ/פְנֵ֖י פָּנִים pânîym HR/Ncbpc the] hills H1389 גְבָע֣וֹת גִּבְעָה gibʻâh HNcfpa I was brought forth H2342 חוֹלָֽלְתִּי חוּל chûwl HVOp1cs
26 before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth.
6
עַד לֹ֣א עָ֭שָׂה אֶ֣רֶץ וְ/חוּצ֑וֹת וְ֝/רֹ֗אשׁ עָפְר֥וֹת תֵּבֵֽל
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing until H5704 עַד ʻad HR not H3808 לֹ֣א לֹא lôʼ HTn he had made H6213 עָ֭שָׂה עָשָׂה ʻâsâh HVqp3ms the] earth H776 אֶ֣רֶץ אֶרֶץ ʼerets HNcbsa the] open places H2351 וְ/חוּצ֑וֹת חוּץ chûwts HC/Ncmpa the] first of H7218 וְ֝/רֹ֗אשׁ רֹאשׁ rôʼsh HC/Ncmsc the] dusts of H6083 עָפְר֥וֹת עָפָר ʻâphâr HNcmpc the] world H8398 תֵּבֵֽל תֵּבֵל têbêl HNcfsa
27 I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,
6
בַּ/הֲכִינ֣/וֹ שָׁ֭מַיִם שָׁ֣ם אָ֑נִי בְּ/ח֥וּק/וֹ ח֝֗וּג עַל פְּנֵ֥י תְהֽוֹם
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing established/ he H3559 בַּ/הֲכִינ֣/וֹ כּוּן kûwn HR/Vhc/Sp3ms the] heavens H8064 שָׁ֭מַיִם שָׁמַיִם shâmayim HNcmpa was] there H8033 שָׁ֣ם שָׁם shâm HD I H589 אָ֑נִי אֲנִי ʼănîy HPp1cs marked out/ he H2710 בְּ/ח֥וּק/וֹ חָקַק châqaq HR/Vqc/Sp3ms a circle H2329 ח֝֗וּג חוּג chûwg HNcmsa on H5921 עַל ʻal HR the] surface of H6440 פְּנֵ֥י פָּנִים pânîym HNcbpc the] deep H8415 תְהֽוֹם תְּהוֹם tᵉhôwm HNcbsa
28 when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth,
6
בְּ/אַמְּצ֣/וֹ שְׁחָקִ֣ים מִ/מָּ֑עַל בַּ֝/עֲז֗וֹז עִינ֥וֹת תְּהוֹם
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing made firm/ he H553 בְּ/אַמְּצ֣/וֹ אָמַץ ʼâmats HR/Vpc/Sp3ms the] clouds H7834 שְׁחָקִ֣ים שַׁחַק shachaq HNcmpa from>/ above H4605 מִ/מָּ֑עַל מַעַל maʻal HR/D became strong H5810 בַּ֝/עֲז֗וֹז עָזַז ʻâzaz HR/Vqc the] springs of H5869 עִינ֥וֹת עַיִן ʻayin HNcbpc the] deep H8415 תְּהוֹם tᵉhôwm HNcbsa
29 when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth.
6
בְּ/שׂ֘וּמ֤/וֹ לַ/יָּ֨ם חֻקּ֗/וֹ וּ֭/מַיִם לֹ֣א יַֽעַבְרוּ פִ֑י/ו בְּ֝/חוּק֗/וֹ מ֣וֹסְדֵי אָֽרֶץ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing set/ he H7760 בְּ/שׂ֘וּמ֤/וֹ שׂוּם sûwm HR/Vqc/Sp3ms for the/ sea H3220 לַ/יָּ֨ם יָם yâm HRd/Ncmsa its H2706 חֻקּ֗/וֹ חֹק chôq HNcmsc/Sp3ms the] waters H4325 וּ֭/מַיִם מַיִם mayim HC/Ncmpa not H3808 לֹ֣א לֹא lôʼ HTn they will transgress H5674 יַֽעַבְרוּ עָבַר ʻâbar HVqi3mp his H6310 פִ֑י/ו פֶּה peh HNcmsc/Sp3ms marked out/ he H2710 בְּ֝/חוּק֗/וֹ חָקַק châqaq HR/Vqc/Sp3ms the] foundations of H4144 מ֣וֹסְדֵי מוֹסָד môwçâd HNcbpc the] earth H776 אָֽרֶץ אֶרֶץ ʼerets HNcbsa
30 Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence.
6
וָֽ/אֶהְיֶ֥ה אֶצְל֗/וֹ אָ֫מ֥וֹן וָֽ/אֶהְיֶ֣ה שַׁ֭עֲשֻׁעִים י֤וֹם י֑וֹם מְשַׂחֶ֖קֶת לְ/פָנָ֣י/ו בְּ/כָל עֵֽת
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing I was H1961 וָֽ/אֶהְיֶ֥ה הָיָה hâyâh HC/Vqw1cs him H681 אֶצְל֗/וֹ אֵצֶל ʼêtsel HR/Sp3ms an artisan H525 אָ֫מ֥וֹן אָמוֹן ʼâmôwn HNcmsa I was H1961 וָֽ/אֶהְיֶ֣ה הָיָה hâyâh HC/Vqw1cs delight<s H8191 שַׁ֭עֲשֻׁעִים שַׁעְשֻׁעַ shaʻshuaʻ HNcmpa day H3117 י֤וֹם יוֹם yôwm HNcmsa day H3117 י֑וֹם יוֹם yôwm HNcmsa playing H7832 מְשַׂחֶ֖קֶת שָׂחַק sâchaq HVprfsa to>/ before/ him H6440 לְ/פָנָ֣י/ו פָּנִים pânîym HR/Ncbpc/Sp3ms every H3605 בְּ/כָל כֹּל kôl HR/Ncmsc time H6256 עֵֽת עֵת ʻêth HNcbsa
31 I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men.
6
מְ֭שַׂחֶקֶת בְּ/תֵבֵ֣ל אַרְצ֑/וֹ וְ֝/שַׁעֲשֻׁעַ֗/י אֶת בְּנֵ֥י אָדָֽם
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing playing H7832 מְ֭שַׂחֶקֶת שָׂחַק sâchaq HVprfsa the] world of H8398 בְּ/תֵבֵ֣ל תֵּבֵל têbêl HR/Ncfsc his H776 אַרְצ֑/וֹ אֶרֶץ ʼerets HNcbsc/Sp3ms delight<s>/ my H8191 וְ֝/שַׁעֲשֻׁעַ֗/י שַׁעְשֻׁעַ shaʻshuaʻ HC/Ncmpc/Sp1cs were] with H854 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HR the] children of H1121 בְּנֵ֥י בֵּן bên HNcmpc another H120 אָדָֽם אָדָם ʼâdâm HNcmsa
32 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
וְ/עַתָּ֣ה בָ֭נִים שִׁמְעוּ וְ֝/אַשְׁרֵ֗י דְּרָכַ֥/י יִשְׁמֹֽרוּ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing therefore H6258 וְ/עַתָּ֣ה עַתָּה ʻattâh HC/D O children H1121 בָ֭נִים בֵּן bên HNcmpa listen H8085 שִׁמְעוּ שָׁמַע shâmaʻ HVqv2mp how blessed! H835 וְ֝/אַשְׁרֵ֗י אֶשֶׁר ʼesher HC/Ncmpa are those who] ways/ my H1870 דְּרָכַ֥/י דֶּרֶךְ derek HNcbpc/Sp1cs they observe H8104 יִשְׁמֹֽרוּ שָׁמַר shâmar HVqi3mp
33 Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.
שִׁמְע֖וּ מוּסָ֥ר וַ/חֲכָ֗מוּ וְ/אַל תִּפְרָֽעוּ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing listen to H8085 שִׁמְע֖וּ שָׁמַע shâmaʻ HVqv2mp correction H4148 מוּסָ֥ר מוּסָר mûwçâr HNcmsa act wisely H2449 וַ/חֲכָ֗מוּ חָכַם châkam HC/Vqv2mp may not H408 וְ/אַל אַל ʼal HC/Tn you neglect [it H6544 תִּפְרָֽעוּ פָּרַע pâraʻ HVqj2mp
34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.
אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי אָדָם֮ שֹׁמֵ֪עַֽ֫ לִ/שְׁקֹ֣ד עַל דַּ֭לְתֹתַ/י י֤וֹם י֑וֹם לִ֝/שְׁמֹ֗ר מְזוּזֹ֥ת פְּתָחָֽ/י
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing how blessed! H835 אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי אֶשֶׁר ʼesher HNcmpa is] a person H120 אָדָם֮ אָדָם ʼâdâm HNcmsa who] listens H8085 שֹׁמֵ֪עַֽ֫ שָׁמַע shâmaʻ HVqrmsa keeping watch H8245 לִ/שְׁקֹ֣ד שָׁקַד shâqad HR/Vqc at H5921 עַל ʻal HR my H1817 דַּ֭לְתֹתַ/י דֶּלֶת deleth HNcfpc/Sp1cs day H3117 י֤וֹם יוֹם yôwm HNcmsa day H3117 י֑וֹם יוֹם yôwm HNcmsa watching H8104 לִ֝/שְׁמֹ֗ר שָׁמַר shâmar HR/Vqc the] doorposts of H4201 מְזוּזֹ֥ת מְזוּזָה mᵉzûwzâh HNcfpc my H6607 פְּתָחָֽ/י פֶּתַח pethach HNcmpc/Sp1cs
35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD.
כִּ֣י מֹ֭צְאִ/י מצאי מָצָ֣א חַיִּ֑ים וַ/יָּ֥פֶק רָ֝צ֗וֹן מֵ/יְהוָֽה
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing for H3588 כִּ֣י כִּי kîy HC one who] finds/ me H4672 מֹ֭צְאִ/י מָצָא mâtsâʼ HVqrmsc/Sp1cs be able H4672 מצאי מָצָא mâtsâʼ HVqrmpc he finds H4672 מָצָ֣א מָצָא mâtsâʼ HVqp3ms life H2416 חַיִּ֑ים חַי chay HNcmpa he obtained H6329 וַ/יָּ֥פֶק פּוּק pûwq HC/Vhw3ms favor H7522 רָ֝צ֗וֹן רָצוֹן râtsôwn HNcmsa Yahweh H3068 מֵ/יְהוָֽה יְהֹוָה Yᵉhôvâh HR/Np
36 But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.”
וְֽ֭/חֹטְאִ/י חֹמֵ֣ס נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ כָּל מְ֝שַׂנְאַ֗/י אָ֣הֲבוּ מָֽוֶת
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing one who] misses/ me H2398 וְֽ֭/חֹטְאִ/י חָטָא châṭâʼ HC/Vqrmsc/Sp1cs is] doing wrong to H2554 חֹמֵ֣ס חָמַס châmaç HVqrmsa his H5315 נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ נֶפֶשׁ nephesh HNcbsc/Sp3ms all H3605 כָּל כֹּל kôl HNcmsc those who] hate/ me H8130 מְ֝שַׂנְאַ֗/י שָׂנֵא sânêʼ HVprmpc/Sp1cs they love H157 אָ֣הֲבוּ אָהַב ʼâhab HVqp3cp dead(-ly) H4194 מָֽוֶת מָוֶת mâveth HNcmsa
Proverbs 7
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Proverbs 9
Study Notes — Proverbs 8
5 sectionsProverbs 8 presents wisdom as a divine messenger calling out to humanity with urgent invitation and instruction. The chapter opens with wisdom personified as a woman crying aloud in the streets, marketplaces, and city gates—visible and accessible to all who will listen. Moving into the middle section, wisdom declares her supreme value and the blessings she brings to those who embrace her. The passage then reaches its remarkable climax with wisdom describing her eternal existence alongside God at creation, revealing her divine origin and cosmic significance. Finally, the chapter concludes with a passionate call to embrace wisdom and a sobering warning about the consequences of rejection.
The chapter opens with wisdom personified, actively calling out to humanity. Verse 1 asks a rhetorical question: "Doth not wisdom cry?" The answer is an emphatic yes. Wisdom is not hidden in some remote place but stands in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths (verse 2)—the most visible, trafficked locations. She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors (verse 3), using the imagery of a public herald making announcements where everyone gathers. This applies to men and sons of man universally (verse 4). The call goes especially to ye simple and ye fools (verse 5)—those lacking discernment who most desperately need wisdom's guidance. God makes wisdom available to all, regardless of status or current understanding.
Application: God's wisdom is not exclusive or hard to find. It is publicly proclaimed through Scripture, faithful teaching, and the Holy Spirit's voice. Are we listening to wisdom's call in the "gates" of our daily lives?
Wisdom now establishes her credibility. She promises to speak of excellent things and right things (verse 6). Her words are characterized by truth (verse 7) and righteousness (verse 8), with nothing froward or perverse in them. This means her counsel is straightforward and trustworthy. Verse 9 assures us that wisdom's words are plain to him that understandeth—they make sense to those genuinely seeking understanding.
Wisdom then makes an extraordinary value proposition: Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold (verse 10). Wisdom is better than rubies (verse 11), surpassing all earthly treasures. This is not suggesting material possessions are evil, but that wisdom's benefits far exceed material wealth. Verse 12 describes wisdom as dwelling with prudence and finding out knowledge of witty inventions—she brings both practical good judgment and creative problem-solving.
Application: What are we investing our lives in? Temporary treasures fade, but wisdom—right thinking aligned with God's truth—yields eternal returns and shapes how we handle everything else.
Verse 13 defines the fear of the LORD as hating evil, pride, arrogance, and perverse speech. Wisdom walks in holiness. Verses 14-16 emphasize that wisdom is the source of counsel, sound wisdom, understanding, and strength, and that by me kings reign and princes decree justice. Even earthly rulers depend on divine wisdom for righteous governance. Verse 17 reveals wisdom's reciprocal nature: I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. This echoes our Lord's promise of answered prayer and sought-after fellowship.
Verses 18-21 promise that with wisdom come riches and honour...durable riches and righteousness (verse 18). Her fruit and revenue exceed precious metals (verse 19). She leads in righteousness and judgment (verse 20) and causes her lovers to inherit substance and have filled treasures (verse 21).
Application: Walking in wisdom brings genuine, lasting prosperity—not always financial, but always spiritual and often material blessing too.
This passage reveals wisdom's cosmic role. The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way (verse 22), and wisdom was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was (verse 23). Wisdom existed before the mountains, hills, earth, fields (verses 25-26), and when he prepared the heavens...I was there (verse 27). Verses 28-29 describe wisdom's presence as God established creation's order and limits.