Proverbs 3:8

It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

It shall be health {H7500} to thy navel {H8270}, and marrow {H8250} to thy bones {H6106}.

This will bring health to your body and give strength to your bones.

This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.

It will be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.

Context

Proverbs 3:8 is part of a larger section (Proverbs 3:1-12) where a father imparts wisdom and instruction to his son, emphasizing the profound benefits of living according to God's principles. This verse serves as a direct promise and blessing that accompanies the obedience, trust, and humility exhorted in the preceding verses. Specifically, it follows the call to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart" (Proverbs 3:5-6) and to "fear the Lord, and depart from evil" (Proverbs 3:7). The health and vitality described in verse 8 are presented as a natural consequence of embracing divine wisdom.

Meaning and Imagery

The imagery in this verse is rich and evocative, promising profound physical well-being:

  • "Health to thy navel": The navel (Hebrew: shorer) can symbolize the core of the body, the source of life and nourishment (as with an umbilical cord), or the entire physical being. To have "health" (Hebrew: marpe, meaning healing, remedy, or soundness) to the navel implies a deep, internal well-being and vitality that extends throughout the whole person.
  • "And marrow to thy bones": Marrow is essential for blood production and the structural integrity of bones. The phrase "marrow to thy bones" (Hebrew: shiqquy, implying refreshment or moistening) suggests a continual supply of strength, vigor, and robust health from the very foundation of one's physical being. It speaks of rejuvenation and internal strength, not just superficial health.

Together, these phrases paint a picture of holistic and foundational health—not merely the absence of illness, but a vibrant, thriving physical state that flows from a life aligned with God's wisdom and commands. It implies a deep, internal flourishing that impacts every aspect of one's physical existence.

Key Themes

  • Holistic Well-being: This verse underscores the biblical principle that spiritual and moral alignment with God's will often brings tangible benefits, including physical health. It suggests an interconnectedness between one's spiritual state and physical vitality.
  • Divine Blessing: It highlights God's gracious promise of blessings, including health and strength, to those who obey and trust Him. This is a powerful encouragement to live righteously.
  • Wisdom's Practical Benefits: Proverbs consistently presents wisdom not as abstract philosophy, but as a practical guide for life that yields concrete advantages. Here, health is presented as one such benefit of living wisely and fearfully before the Lord.

Practical Application

While this verse is not a guarantee against all sickness in a fallen world, it reveals a profound principle: living in harmony with God's wisdom tends to promote overall flourishing. Trusting God, departing from evil, and living with humility can:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety, which are often contributors to physical ailments.
  • Lead to healthier lifestyle choices consistent with biblical principles.
  • Foster inner peace and contentment that positively impact one's physical state.

For believers today, Proverbs 3:8 encourages us to seek God's wisdom first and foremost, trusting that He desires our holistic well-being. It reminds us that our spiritual walk has implications for every part of our lives, including our physical health, as John prayed that we might prosper and be in health, even as our soul prospers.

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 4:22

    For they [are] life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

  • Psalms 147:3

    He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

  • Job 21:24

    His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow.

  • Proverbs 16:24

    ¶ Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

  • Jeremiah 30:12

    For thus saith the LORD, Thy bruise [is] incurable, [and] thy wound [is] grievous.

  • Jeremiah 30:13

    [There is] none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines.

  • Ezekiel 16:4

    And [as for] thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple [thee]; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back