Proverbs 8:17

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

Complete Jewish Bible:

I love those who love me; and those who seek me will find me.

Berean Standard Bible:

I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.

American Standard Version:

I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

I love^{H157} them that love^{H157} me; and those that seek me early^{H7836} shall find^{H4672} me.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 8:17

Proverbs 8:17 is part of a larger passage in the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon, the wise king of Israel. This verse is embedded within a section (Proverbs 8:1-36) where Wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to humanity, extolling the virtues of wisdom and understanding. In the historical context, wisdom literature was highly valued in the ancient Near East, and the book of Proverbs is a prime example of this genre in the Hebrew Bible.

The themes of Proverbs 8:17 include the reciprocal nature of love and the benefits of seeking wisdom early in life. The verse reflects the idea that wisdom is not just an intellectual pursuit but a relationship. Wisdom, personified, declares a loving commitment to those who love her in return, suggesting a mutual and devoted relationship. The phrase "those that seek me early shall find me" emphasizes the advantage of seeking wisdom from a young age. It implies that wisdom is accessible and discoverable to those who earnestly pursue it, and that early pursuit leads to a lifetime of benefit.

In the broader context of the chapter, this verse contributes to the portrait of Wisdom as a desirable and attainable guide for living a moral and fulfilling life. Wisdom is depicted as more precious than silver, gold, or jewels, and the pursuit of wisdom is presented as the path to divine favor and success. The verse encourages a proactive and eager approach to gaining wisdom, promising that such a pursuit will be rewarded. Historically, this verse and the surrounding chapter have been interpreted as an invitation to cultivate wisdom as a foundational principle for living a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and society.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H157
   There are 257 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָהַב
   Transliteration: ʼâhab
   Pronunciation: aw-hab'
   Description: or אָהֵב ; a primitive root; to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7836
   There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁחַר
   Transliteration: shâchar
   Pronunciation: shaw-khar'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to dawn, i.e. (figuratively) be (up) early at any task (with the implication of earnestness); by extension, to search for (with painstaking); (do something) betimes, enquire early, rise (seek) betimes, seek diligently) early, in the morning).
   
3. Strong's Number: H4672
   There are 425 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָצָא
   Transliteration: mâtsâʼ
   Pronunciation: maw-tsaw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present; [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on.