Proverbs 2:5

KJV

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shalt thou understand {H995} the fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068}, and find {H4672} the knowledge {H1847} of God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then you will understand the fear of ADONAI and find knowledge of God.

Berean Standard Bible

then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.

American Standard Version

Then shalt thou understand the fear of Jehovah, And find the knowledge of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 2:5 serves as a profound promise within the broader discourse on the pursuit of wisdom, articulating the ultimate spiritual dividends for those who diligently seek understanding. It declares that a dedicated search for divine insight will culminate in a deep, reverential apprehension of God's character and a comprehensive, intimate knowledge of His being. This verse encapsulates the core message of Proverbs: that true wisdom begins with and leads to a transformative relationship with the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 2:5 is the climactic promise in a foundational passage (Proverbs 2:1-22) that outlines the benefits and nature of wisdom. It directly follows a series of conditional clauses in [Proverbs 2:1-4](/proverbs/2-1 "Proverbs 2:1-4 - The Call to Seek Wisdom"), which describe the active, earnest, and persistent effort required to acquire wisdom. These preceding verses emphasize the need to "receive my words," "store up my commandments," "incline your ear to wisdom," "apply your heart to understanding," "cry out for discernment," and "search for it as for hidden treasures." Proverbs 2:5 then presents the glorious, guaranteed outcome of such diligent pursuit, establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship between seeking wisdom and gaining profound spiritual insight. It builds upon the foundational truth introduced in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge"), which states that "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," expanding on what that "beginning" leads to.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs originates from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, a genre prevalent across cultures like Egypt and Mesopotamia. However, Israelite wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, uniquely grounds wisdom in the character and revelation of Yahweh. In ancient Israel, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but a practical skill for navigating life righteously and successfully, rooted in a covenantal relationship with God. The pedagogical model of a father instructing his son, as seen throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs"), reflects the primary mode of transmitting moral and spiritual values within the family unit and the broader community. The "fear of the LORD" was a central concept, distinguishing Israelite wisdom from its pagan counterparts, emphasizing that true understanding flows from a humble, obedient reverence for the one true God, who is both transcendent and immanent.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs"). Firstly, it underscores the **Supremacy of Divine Wisdom**, asserting that true understanding and knowledge are not human constructs but gifts from God, accessible only through Him. Secondly, it highlights the **Active Pursuit of Wisdom**, emphasizing that these spiritual treasures are not passively received but are the reward for diligent and intentional seeking, likened to searching for "silver" and "hidden treasures" in [Proverbs 2:4](/proverbs/2-4 "Proverbs 2:4 - Searching for Wisdom"). Thirdly, it defines the **Nature of True Knowledge**, distinguishing between mere intellectual information and an intimate, experiential "knowledge of God" that transforms one's life and perspective. Finally, it reinforces the central theme of the **Fear of the LORD as the Foundation of Wisdom**, reiterating that a reverential awe and humble submission to God are not just a starting point but an ongoing posture that leads to deeper understanding, as also articulated in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **understand (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** From H995, this word signifies the mental process of separating or distinguishing, leading to comprehension. It implies discernment, intelligence, and the ability to perceive truth. In this context, it refers to gaining a deep, insightful grasp of the nature and implications of "the fear of the LORD," moving beyond superficial recognition to profound apprehension.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** From H3374, this term denotes more than mere terror; it encompasses reverence, awe, respect, and a profound sense of humility before a superior power. In relation to the LORD, it is a morally upright posture of submission and obedience that stems from an awareness of His holiness, majesty, and authority. It is the proper response to God's character, leading to a desire to please Him.
* **knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** From H1847, this word refers to an intimate, experiential understanding, rather than just factual information. It is the kind of knowledge gained through personal relationship and direct encounter, leading to a deep familiarity with God's character, ways, and truth. It implies a transformative, life-shaping apprehension of who God is.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD":** This clause presents the first promised outcome of diligently seeking wisdom. The "then" (אז, 'az) indicates a direct consequence of the actions described in the preceding verses (Proverbs 2:1-4). To "understand" the fear of the LORD means to grasp its true nature—not a cowering dread, but a profound, reverential awe that leads to humble submission and obedience. This understanding is foundational, implying a deep insight into God's character and the proper human response to His sovereignty and holiness. It is an intellectual and spiritual comprehension of what it means to live in right relationship with the Almighty.
* **"and find the knowledge of God":** This second clause offers a parallel and complementary promise. The verb "find" (מָצָא, matsâʼ) suggests discovery, attainment, or acquisition, reinforcing the idea that this knowledge is a treasure to be sought and found. "The knowledge of God" (דַּעַת אֱלֹהִים, daʻath Elohim) refers to an intimate, personal, and experiential understanding of God Himself. It is not merely knowing *about* God, but knowing God in a deep, transformative way—His attributes, His will, His purposes, and His very being. This knowledge is the ultimate goal of wisdom's pursuit, leading to a life lived in accordance with divine truth.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 2:5 primarily employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry. The two clauses, "Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD" and "and find the knowledge of God," express essentially the same idea in different words, reinforcing and intensifying the core message. Understanding the "fear of the LORD" is intrinsically linked to "finding the knowledge of God"; one leads to and deepens the other, highlighting the holistic nature of true spiritual insight. The verse also functions as a **Conditional Promise**, where the "then" clause (the result) is contingent upon the "if" clauses (the diligent seeking) presented in the preceding verses of [Proverbs 2:1-4](/proverbs/2-1 "Proverbs 2:1-4 - The Conditions for Wisdom"). This structure emphasizes the divine principle of sowing and reaping in the spiritual realm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 2:5 articulates a fundamental theological truth: genuine spiritual understanding and an intimate relationship with God are not accidental but are the direct result of diligent, intentional pursuit. This verse reveals that the "fear of the LORD" is not merely an initial step but a continuous posture of reverence that deepens one's "knowledge of God"—a knowledge that is transformative and experiential, not just intellectual. It underscores God's nature as one who reveals Himself to those who earnestly seek Him, promising profound insight into His character and ways. This pursuit of divine wisdom is presented as the most valuable endeavor, leading to life and blessing.

* [Psalm 111:10](/psalm/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Jeremiah 9:24](/jeremiah/9-24 "Jeremiah 9:24 - Boasting in Knowing God")
* [Hosea 6:3](/hosea/6-3 "Hosea 6:3 - Seeking to Know the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 2:5 serves as a powerful encouragement for believers today to prioritize the active and earnest pursuit of God's wisdom and knowledge. In a world saturated with information, this verse reminds us that true understanding—the kind that shapes our character and guides our decisions—comes from a deep, reverential relationship with God. It challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement with spiritual truths and to commit ourselves to a diligent search for His Word, His will, and His very presence. This pursuit involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, humble obedience, and a sincere desire to know Him more intimately. The promise is clear: when we invest our hearts and minds in seeking God, He will reveal Himself, granting us the profound understanding of His fear and the transformative knowledge of His being, leading to a life of righteousness and discernment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "the fear of the LORD" practically look like in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **In what specific ways am I currently "seeking" the knowledge of God, and how can I deepen that pursuit?**
* **How does my understanding of God's character influence my decisions and responses to life's challenges?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a more intimate, experiential knowledge of God?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "fear of the LORD" and "knowledge of God" in this verse?**

Answer: While closely related and often used in parallel, "the fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: *yirʼâh*) primarily refers to a profound reverence, awe, and humble submission to God's authority and holiness. It's the proper posture of the human heart before the divine, leading to obedience and a desire to please Him. "The knowledge of God" (Hebrew: *daʻath Elohim*), on the other hand, signifies an intimate, experiential, and transformative understanding of God's character, His ways, and His truth. It's not just knowing *about* God, but knowing Him personally, much like knowing a close friend. Proverbs 2:5 suggests that a right relationship of reverential fear leads directly to a deeper, more profound personal knowledge of God. This intimate knowledge is the ultimate goal, rooted in the foundational fear. For more on this, see [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 2:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, who is the very embodiment of God's wisdom and the perfect revelation of the "knowledge of God." While the Old Testament calls for a diligent search to "understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God," the New Testament reveals that this understanding and knowledge are fully realized in knowing Christ. Jesus is described as "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1-corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")) and "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Wisdom Dwells")). To "fear the LORD" in the New Covenant is to reverence God as revealed in Christ, acknowledging His supreme authority and submitting to His Lordship. The "knowledge of God" becomes a personal, relational knowledge of the Father through the Son, as Jesus Himself declared, "No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). Thus, the diligent pursuit of wisdom in Proverbs culminates in the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the fear of the Lord and grants us access to an intimate, transformative knowledge of God, leading to eternal life ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 1:7

¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Jeremiah 24:7

And I will give them an heart to know me, that I [am] the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

2 Chronicles 1:10

Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, [that is so] great?

2 Chronicles 1:12

Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

Jeremiah 32:40

And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

Jeremiah 32:41

Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.