Proverbs 4:13
Proverbs 4:13 in Multiple Translations
Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life.
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: Keep her; for she is thy life.
Take learning in your hands, do not let her go: keep her, for she is your life.
Hold on to these instructions—don't let them go. Protect them, for they are life's foundation.
Take holde of instruction, and leaue not: keepe her, for shee is thy life.
Lay hold on instruction, do not desist, Keep her, for she [is] thy life.
Take firm hold of instruction. Don’t let her go. Keep her, for she is your life.
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
Take hold on instruction, leave it not: keep it, because it is thy life.
Hold fast to the things I have taught you to do, and do not let them go. Guard them, because they will be the source of a good life.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:13
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 4:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַחֲזֵ֣ק
בַּ/מּוּסָ֣ר
אַל
תֶּ֑רֶף
נִ֝צְּרֶ֗/הָ
כִּי
הִ֥יא
חַיֶּֽי/ךָ
הַחֲזֵ֣ק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
בַּ/מּוּסָ֣ר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
Prep | N-ms
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תֶּ֑רֶף
râphâh
H7503
to slacken
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
נִ֝צְּרֶ֗/הָ
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִ֥יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
חַיֶּֽי/ךָ
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 4:13
הַחֲזֵ֣ק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בַּ/מּוּסָ֣ר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תֶּ֑רֶף
râphâh
H7503
"to slacken"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.
נִ֝צְּרֶ֗/הָ
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
כִּי
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.
הִ֥יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
חַיֶּֽי/ךָ
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:13
Context — A Father’s Instruction
11I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths.
12When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble.
13Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life.
14Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. 15Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 2:1 | We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. |
| 2 | Proverbs 3:18 | She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed. |
| 3 | Proverbs 23:23 | Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 32:47 | For they are not idle words to you, because they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” |
| 5 | 1 Thessalonians 5:21 | but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. |
| 6 | Acts 2:42 | They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. |
| 7 | Acts 11:23 | When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. |
| 8 | John 6:68 | Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 7:12 | For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. |
| 10 | Revelation 12:11 | They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death. |
Proverbs 4:13 Summary
Proverbs 4:13 is telling us to hold tight to the teachings and guidance of God's Word, because it is the key to living a wise and fulfilling life (see Psalm 119:105). Just like we need air to breathe and food to eat, we need God's instruction to navigate the challenges of life. By guarding and following His Word, we can avoid the dangers of the world and stay on the path that leads to life and joy (as seen in Proverbs 4:11-12 and Matthew 7:13-14).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'hold on to instruction' in Proverbs 4:13?
Holding on to instruction means to firmly grasp and adhere to the teachings and guidance of God's Word, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where it says 'Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.'
Why is it important to guard instruction, according to Proverbs 4:13?
Guarding instruction is crucial because it is a matter of spiritual life and death, as stated in Proverbs 4:13, 'for it is your life.' This emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving the truth of God's Word in our hearts and minds.
How does Proverbs 4:13 relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that the instructions and teachings we receive from God's Word have a direct impact on our daily lives, guiding us on the right path, as mentioned in Proverbs 4:11, 'I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths.'
What are the consequences of not holding on to instruction?
Not holding on to instruction can lead to spiritual stagnation, confusion, and ultimately, separation from God, as warned in Psalm 119:155, 'The wicked are turned away from the righteous, for they have not sought the Lord.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'hold on to instruction' in my daily life, and what are the potential consequences of letting go?
- How can I balance the desire to follow my own path with the need to guard and follow God's instruction?
- In what ways can I prioritize the teachings of God's Word in my life, making them a central part of my decision-making and relationships?
- What role does trust and obedience play in holding on to instruction, and how can I cultivate these qualities in my walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:13
Take fast hold of instruction,.... Not the law, as Jarchi and Gersom interpret it; but the instruction of wisdom, the doctrine of Christ or the Gospel; see Proverbs 8:1; which is an instruction into
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:13
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life - (Proverbs 3:18; Proverbs 3:22).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:13
The conductor, and preserver, and comfort of thy life.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:13
Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let [her] not go: keep her; for she [is] thy life.Ver. 13. Take fast hold of instruction.] Nam magnum certamen sustines adversus haereticae et epicureos, saith a Jewish doctor upon this text: Heretics and epicures will seek to wring it from thee, by wrench and wile. Therefore "hold fast the faithful word, as thou hast been taught." Hold it as with tooth and nail against those gainsayers that would snatch it from thee. For "there are many unruly and vain talkers," and so there are many loose and lewd walkers too, that would bereave thee of the benefit of what thou hast learned; but "hold fast that which is good." Let it not go, Ne languescas; surcease not, slake not, give not over striving against sin and sinners.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:13
(13) For she is thy life.—Comp. 1 John 5:12, “He that hath the Son hath life.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:13
Verse 13. Take fast hold] החזק hachazek, seize it strongly, and keep the hold; and do this as for life. Learn all thou canst, retain what thou hast learnt, and keep the reason continually in view - it is for thy life.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:13
13. Let her not go — Rather, do not let go, relax not thy grasp. The pronoun her is not in this sentence, though it is in the next. Herein is trouble; for musar, instruction or discipline, is masculine.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Listen to God Constantly by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of abiding in God's Word and listening to His voice daily. It highlights the need to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly desires, focusin |
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Wanted - a Man by Paul Valentine | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fathers and parents in providing moral instruction to their children. He encourages fathers to take responsibility for teac |
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The General Conference of 1836 by Nathan Bangs | Nathan Bangs preaches at the General Conference of 1836 in Cincinnati, addressing the delegates from various conferences. The conference discusses important matters such as the dis |
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A Final Shaking by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a boat mooring to illustrate the importance of not drifting away from the truth of Christ. He emphasizes the need to hold on tightly |
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(Hebrews) 5-Abel and Enoch by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who committed adultery and ended up in prison. The man confesses his crime and expresses remorse for his actions. The preach |
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(Hebrews) 6-Noah by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of faith in pleasing God. He emphasizes that without faith, it is impossible to please God. The speaker also highlights the co |
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(So Great a Salvation) Awakening by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named Victor who was desperate for money and decided to wait for his mother outside a church to take money from her purse. H |