Proverbs 8:30

Then I was by him, [as] one brought up [with him]: and I was daily [his] delight, rejoicing always before him;

Then I was by him {H681}, as one brought up {H525} with him: and I was daily {H3117}{H3117} his delight {H8191}, rejoicing {H7832} always {H6256} before {H6440} him;

I was with him as someone he could trust. For me, every day was pure delight, as I played in his presence all the time,.

Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence.

Then I was by him, asa master workman; And I was dailyhisdelight, Rejoicing always before him,

Commentary

Proverbs 8:30 is a profound verse spoken by Wisdom personified, describing her intimate relationship with God during the primordial act of creation. It paints a vivid picture of Wisdom's eternal existence and her joyous presence alongside the Creator.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in Proverbs 8, where Wisdom calls out to humanity, proclaiming her value, eternal nature, and essential role in the world. Beginning in Proverbs 8:22, Wisdom declares that she was "brought forth" or "possessed" by the Lord "before his works of old." The preceding verses detail God's establishment of the heavens, the deep, the clouds, and the foundations of the earth, with Wisdom present throughout this cosmic design process. Verse 30 specifically highlights the nature of her relationship with God during this period.

Key Themes

  • Personified Wisdom: The passage presents Wisdom not merely as an abstract quality but as a distinct, pre-existent entity. This personification is central to understanding the verse, portraying Wisdom as a divine companion and architect.
  • Intimacy with God: Phrases like "I was by him," "one brought up with him," and "daily his delight" underscore an incredibly close, personal, and joyful relationship between God and Wisdom. It suggests a bond of companionship and mutual affection.
  • Wisdom's Role in Creation: While not explicitly stating Wisdom was the active creator, her constant presence and "rejoicing always before him" during creation imply an essential, perhaps even active, participation or overseeing role in the divine blueprint for the cosmos. This highlights the inherent order, beauty, and intelligence embedded in God's creative work.
  • Divine Joy and Delight: The verse reveals a joyful aspect of the divine nature. God finds "delight" in Wisdom, and Wisdom, in turn, rejoices before Him, suggesting a harmonious and blissful state within the Godhead during creation.

Linguistic Insights

  • "brought up [with him]": The Hebrew word translated here is 'amon (אָמוֹן). This term is rich in meaning and has been interpreted in various ways. It can mean "master workman" or "architect," suggesting Wisdom's role as a skilled craftsman involved in the building of the world. Alternatively, it can mean "nursling" or "cherished child," emphasizing the beloved and intimate relationship Wisdom shared with God, as the KJV rendering "brought up [with him]" suggests. Both interpretations convey a deep connection and significant presence.
  • "his delight": The Hebrew word is sha'ashu'im (שַׁעֲשֻׁעִים), which conveys a strong sense of pleasure, amusement, and profound delight. It signifies that Wisdom was a source of great joy to God.
  • "rejoicing always": The Hebrew m'sakhet (מְשַׂחֶקֶת) means "playing" or "rejoicing," often with a sense of joyous, unrestrained activity. It speaks to the exuberance and pure joy of Wisdom's presence before God.

Significance and Application

Proverbs 8:30 has profound theological implications. Many Christian theologians see this personification of Wisdom as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word (Logos), who was with God in the beginning and through whom all things were made. Just as Wisdom was present and rejoiced in creation, Christ is described as the agent of creation in Colossians 1:16 and John 1:3.

Practically, this verse reminds us that the world was created with divine wisdom and purpose. It encourages us to seek and embrace God's wisdom in our own lives, understanding that true wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a profound connection to God's heart and mind. Just as Wisdom delighted God, pursuing His wisdom can bring joy and order to our lives and align us with His eternal plan.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 1:1 (11 votes)

    ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

  • John 1:3 (11 votes)

    All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

  • Isaiah 42:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

  • John 1:18 (8 votes)

    No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].

  • Matthew 3:17 (8 votes)

    And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

  • John 16:28 (7 votes)

    I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

  • John 12:28 (7 votes)

    Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, [saying], I have both glorified [it], and will glorify [it] again.