King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
She [is] a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is every one] that retaineth her.
Complete Jewish Bible:
She is a tree of life to those who grasp her; whoever holds fast to her will be made happy.
Berean Standard Bible:
She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed.
American Standard Version:
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
She is a tree{H6086} of life{H2416} to them that lay hold{H2388} upon her: and happy{H833} is every one that retaineth{H8551} her.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 11:30
- ¶ The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise.
Proverbs 15:4
- ¶ A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit.
Genesis 2:9
- And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Proverbs 13:12
- ¶ Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.
Genesis 3:22
- ¶ And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
Revelation 2:7
- He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Revelation 22:2
- In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.
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Commentary for Proverbs 3:18
Proverbs 3:18 is part of a larger section in the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, known for his wisdom. This verse metaphorically describes wisdom as a "tree of life" for those who grasp it, suggesting that wisdom provides sustenance, shelter, and vitality to individuals in the same way that a tree does for the ecosystem. The "tree of life" itself is a powerful symbol, echoing back to the Garden of Eden in Genesis, where it represented eternal life and divine knowledge.
In the historical context of the ancient Near East, trees were often associated with life, fertility, and divine favor. By using this imagery, the verse emphasizes the value of wisdom in Hebrew thought. The second part of the verse, which speaks of happiness belonging to those who "retain" wisdom, implies that the ongoing practice and remembrance of wisdom lead to a blessed and fulfilling life.
The themes present in Proverbs 3:18 include the intrinsic value of wisdom, the pursuit of knowledge as a path to life and happiness, and the idea that wisdom is not just an intellectual exercise but a practical guide for living a good life. The verse encourages a deep, personal engagement with wisdom, suggesting that a sustained relationship with wisdom yields joy and well-being. This aligns with the broader purpose of the book of Proverbs, which is to impart practical wisdom for right living and to encourage the reader to seek understanding as a foundational principle for a successful and godly life.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H6086
There are 288 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֵץ
Transliteration: ʻêts
Pronunciation: ates
Description: from עָצָה; a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks); [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. - Strong's Number: H2416
There are 452 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חַי
Transliteration: chay
Pronunciation: khah'-ee
Description: from חָיָה; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively; [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. - Strong's Number: H2388
There are 266 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָזַק
Transliteration: châzaq
Pronunciation: khaw-zak'
Description: a primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer; aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. - Strong's Number: H833
There are 361 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָשַׁר
Transliteration: ʼâshar
Pronunciation: aw-shar'
Description: or אָשֵׁר; a primitive root; to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, proper; (call, be) bless(-ed, happy), go, guide, lead, relieve. - Strong's Number: H8551
There are 20 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תָּמַךְ
Transliteration: tâmak
Pronunciation: taw-mak'
Description: a primitive root; to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close; (take, up-) hold (up), maintain, retain, stay (up).