King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Say unto wisdom, Thou [art] my sister; and call understanding [thy] kinswoman:
Complete Jewish Bible:
Say to wisdom, "You are my sister"; call understanding your kinswoman;
Berean Standard Bible:
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman,
American Standard Version:
Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; And call understandingthy kinswoman:
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Say{H559} unto wisdom{H2451}, Thou art my sister{H269}; and call{H7121} understanding{H998} thy kinswoman{H4129}:
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 2:2
- So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;
Proverbs 2:4
- If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures;
Proverbs 4:6
- Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
Proverbs 4:8
- Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
Song of Solomon 8:1
- ¶ O that thou [wert] as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! [when] I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised.
Job 17:14
- I have said to corruption, Thou [art] my father: to the worm, [Thou art] my mother, and my sister.
Luke 11:27
- ¶ And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed [is] the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 7:4
Proverbs 7:4 is part of a larger section in the book of Proverbs that emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in one's life. The verse itself uses a metaphorical language to convey the value of wisdom and understanding, personifying them as intimate family members—a sister and a kinswoman, respectively. By instructing the reader to regard wisdom as a sister and understanding as a close relative, the verse suggests a deep and personal relationship with these virtues, implying that they should be cherished, respected, and kept near.
In the historical context of ancient Israel, family ties were of utmost importance, and the bonds between siblings and kin were central to one's identity and support system. By invoking these familial relationships, the verse underscores the idea that wisdom and understanding should be as integral to an individual's life as their closest family members. The themes present in this verse include the pursuit of knowledge, the cultivation of insight, and the moral and practical benefits that come from embracing wisdom and understanding as guiding principles in one's life.
The broader context of Proverbs 7 deals with warnings against immoral behavior, particularly adultery, which is depicted in the following verses as a foolish and destructive path. The call to embrace wisdom and understanding serves as a protective measure against such folly. In essence, Proverbs 7:4 encourages a commitment to wisdom as a way of life, promising that those who do so will be equipped to navigate the complexities of life with discernment and integrity.
*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: H559
There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָמַר
Transliteration: ʼâmar
Pronunciation: aw-mar'
Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. - Strong's Number: H2451
There are 141 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חׇכְמָה
Transliteration: chokmâh
Pronunciation: khok-maw'
Description: from חָכַם; wisdom (in a good sense); skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. - Strong's Number: H269
There are 301 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָחוֹת
Transliteration: ʼâchôwth
Pronunciation: aw-khoth'
Description: irregular feminine of אָח; a sister (used very widely (like brother), literally and figuratively); (an-) other, sister, together. - Strong's Number: H7121
There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרָא
Transliteration: qârâʼ
Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. - Strong's Number: H998
There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בִּינָה
Transliteration: bîynâh
Pronunciation: bee-naw'
Description: from בִּין; understanding; knowledge, meaning, [idiom] perfectly, understanding, wisdom. - Strong's Number: H4129
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מוֹדַע
Transliteration: môwdaʻ
Pronunciation: mo-dah'
Description: or rather מֹדָע; from יָדַע; an acquaintance; kinswoman.