Proverbs 2:3
Proverbs 2:3 in Multiple Translations
if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
Yea, if thou cry after discernment, And lift up thy voice for understanding;
Truly, if you are crying out for good sense, and your request is for knowledge;
if you cry out for insight and call loudly for help in understanding;
(For if thou callest after knowledge, and cryest for vnderstanding:
For, if for intelligence thou callest, For understanding givest forth thy voice,
yes, if you call out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding;
Yes, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
For if thou shalt call for wisdom, and incline thy heart to prudence:
Call out to God to get insight; plead with him to help you to understand more of what he wants you to know.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 2:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 2:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
אִ֣ם
לַ/בִּינָ֣ה
תִקְרָ֑א
לַ֝/תְּבוּנָ֗ה
תִּתֵּ֥ן
קוֹלֶֽ/ךָ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִ֣ם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לַ/בִּינָ֣ה
bîynâh
H998
understanding
Prep | N-fs
תִקְרָ֑א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לַ֝/תְּבוּנָ֗ה
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
Prep | N-fs
תִּתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
קוֹלֶֽ/ךָ
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 2:3
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִ֣ם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לַ/בִּינָ֣ה
bîynâh
H998
"understanding"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means understanding or discernment, like having wisdom or knowledge. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms, guiding people to make good decisions.
Definition: 1) understanding, discernment 1a) act 1b) faculty 1c) object 1d) personified Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, meaning, [idiom] perfectly, understanding, wisdom. See also: Deuteronomy 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 1:2.
תִקְרָ֑א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לַ֝/תְּבוּנָ֗ה
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
Prep | N-fs
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
תִּתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
קוֹלֶֽ/ךָ
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 2:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 2:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 2:3
Context — The Benefits of Wisdom
1My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you,
2if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding,
3if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,
4if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, 5then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 1:5 | Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. |
| 2 | Ephesians 1:17–18 | that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:6 | in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. |
| 4 | Psalms 25:4–5 | Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 3:9–12 | Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:169 | May my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:125 | I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies. |
| 8 | Psalms 119:34 | Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:73 | Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn Your commandments. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 22:12 | Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God. |
Proverbs 2:3 Summary
[This verse is an invitation to seek wisdom and understanding from God, by calling out to Him and lifting our voices in prayer and desire. As we seek insight, we can trust that God will provide it, as promised in Jeremiah 29:13, where He says that when we seek Him with our whole heart, we will find Him. By seeking wisdom and understanding, we can gain a deeper knowledge of God and His ways, and live a life that honors Him, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where the psalmist says that God's word is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'call out to insight' in Proverbs 2:3?
To call out to insight means to cry out for spiritual understanding and discernment, as seen in Psalm 119:169, where the psalmist cries out to God for understanding, and in Jeremiah 33:3, where God invites us to call to Him and He will answer us.
How can I 'lift my voice to understanding' as mentioned in Proverbs 2:3?
Lifting your voice to understanding means to passionately and intentionally seek wisdom and knowledge, as seen in Proverbs 1:20, where wisdom calls out in the streets, and in Matthew 7:7-8, where Jesus teaches us to ask, seek, and knock to receive what we need from God.
Is this verse only for those who are already wise or knowledgeable?
No, this verse is for anyone who desires to gain insight and understanding, regardless of their current level of knowledge, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, where the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, and in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, where God chooses the weak and foolish things to confound the wise.
How does this verse relate to my daily life?
This verse relates to your daily life by encouraging you to seek wisdom and understanding in all areas, as seen in Colossians 1:9-10, where Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, and in James 1:5, where James encourages believers to ask God for wisdom if they lack it.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to call out to God for insight and understanding?
- How can I practically lift my voice to understanding, and what steps can I take to seek wisdom today?
- What are some distractions or obstacles that might be hindering my ability to seek insight and understanding, and how can I overcome them?
- How does my desire for insight and understanding reflect my relationship with God, and what can I do to deepen my desire for Him?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:3
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge,.... Of God, Christ, and the Gospel; not only bow the ear and bend the mind to these things, but importunately and fervently pray for them; not only attend the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:3
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, (and) liftest up thy voice for understanding. The summit of the ascending climax.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:3
If thou criest, to wit, unto God, the only giver of it, , Heb. if thou callest; invitest it to come unto thee; earnestly desirest its conduct.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:3
Proverbs 2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding;Ver. 3. If thou criest after knowledge.] Bene orasse est bene studuisse, said Luther. Knowledge is God’ s gift (James 1:5; James 1:17), and must be sought at his hand, since he is "the Father of lights," and sells us "eye salve," Revelation 3:17. And liftest up thy voice.] As resolved to "give God no rest" till thou hast it. A dull suitor begs a denial. "Then shall men know if they follow on to know the Lord," Hosea 6:3. "Teach me," "teach me," saith David often. "Lord, show me thy glory," said Moses, newly come from the mount.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:3
3. knowledge] Rather, discernment, R.V. See Proverbs 1:2, note.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:3
3, 4. If thou… liftest up thy voice — Callest aloud; denoting eagerness of desire. Seekest… searchest — And that as for things that men value most, as silver, and hid, or concealed, treasures.
Sermons on Proverbs 2:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Apologetics by Francis Schaeffer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural framework and mindset of the people we are trying to communicate with. He compares it to speakin |
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Fear of God by Harold Vaughan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people's short attention spans and their preference for violent and entertaining content. He questions the kind of people who wou |
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Be My Strong Habitation by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for humility and teachability in our spiritual journey. He highlights the danger of relying on our own knowledge and spirituality, u |
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God Manifest in the Flesh by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly knowing and experiencing Jesus Christ. He compares our relationship with Jesus to old spinster ladies who only play a |
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Anxiety Free Witnessing by Judy Salisbury | In this sermon, the speaker warns about the presence of false teachers and the need to be vigilant against their deceptive tactics. Jesus himself emphasized the importance of not b |
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Thomas Myerscough (1858-1932) by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson reflects on the forgotten Pentecostal pioneer, Thomas Myerscough, highlighting his strategic labor in God's purpose, his journey of seeking the baptism in the Holy |
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7 Ways to Fear God and Live by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical need for the fear of God in our lives, asserting that it can transform individuals, families, and even nations. He outlines seven ways to fear |