Proverbs 2:5

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 2:5 is a pivotal verse within a larger passage (Proverbs 2:1-22) where King Solomon, or a wise father figure, instructs his son on the immense value and benefits of seeking wisdom and understanding. This verse serves as a powerful promise, outlining the spiritual rewards for those who diligently pursue knowledge and discernment.

Context

This verse immediately follows a series of conditional statements in Proverbs 2:1-4. These preceding verses describe the active, earnest effort required: receiving God's words, storing up His commandments, inclining one's ear to wisdom, applying one's heart to understanding, crying out for knowledge, searching for it as for hidden treasures. Proverbs 2:5 then presents the glorious outcome of such dedicated pursuit, establishing a direct link between seeking wisdom and gaining profound spiritual insight. It builds upon the foundational truth introduced in Proverbs 1:7, which states that "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge."

Key Themes

  • The Fear of the LORD: This is not a cowering dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority. It signifies a humble submission to His will and a desire to live in accordance with His character. In the wisdom literature, the "fear of the LORD" is consistently presented as the foundation for true wisdom and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 9:10.
  • The Knowledge of God: This refers to an intimate, experiential understanding of God's character, His ways, and His truth. It's more than intellectual assent; it's a deep, personal relationship that transforms one's perspective and life. This knowledge is essential for navigating life righteously and discerning good from evil.
  • The Reward of Diligent Seeking: The verse promises that these spiritual insights are not accidental but are the direct result of a committed, active search for wisdom. It underscores the principle that God reveals Himself to those who earnestly seek Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the fear of the LORD" translates the Hebrew yir'at YHWH. As mentioned, yir'at implies a combination of reverential awe, obedience, and moral respect, rather than mere terror. It's a deep awareness of God's majesty that leads to humble submission and a desire to please Him. The "knowledge of God" is from the Hebrew da'at Elohim. The term da'at denotes an intimate, experiential knowledge, much like the knowledge of a person gained through close relationship, rather than just factual information. This intimate understanding is the ultimate goal of wisdom's pursuit.

Practical Application

Proverbs 2:5 encourages believers today to prioritize the active pursuit of God's wisdom. It teaches that true spiritual understanding—both a reverential fear of God and a deep, personal knowledge of Him—is not passively received but is cultivated through diligent study of His Word, prayer, and a sincere desire to know Him more intimately. This verse reminds us that investing time and effort into understanding God's truth is profoundly rewarding, leading to a deeper relationship with our Creator and guiding us in righteous living. It invites us to seek God's wisdom above all else, knowing that in doing so, we will find Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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