Proverbs 4:4
Proverbs 4:4 in Multiple Translations
he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.
He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
And he taught me, and said unto me: Let thy heart retain my words; Keep my commandments, and live;
And he gave me teaching, saying to me, Keep my words in your heart; keep my rules so that you may have life:
he was the one who taught me. He told me, “Pay attention to the words I say and keep them in mind; do what I tell you and you will live.
When he taught me, and sayde vnto me, Let thine heart holde fast my woordes: keepe my commandements, and thou shalt liue.
And he directeth me, and he saith to me: 'Let thy heart retain my words, Keep my commands, and live.
He taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words. Keep my commandments, and live.
He taught me also, and said to me, Let thy heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
And he taught me, and said: Let thy heart receive my words, keep my commandments, and thou shalt live.
my father told me, “Remember my words; if you obey my commandments, you will live a long time.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:4
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 4:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּרֵ֗/נִי
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
לִ֗/י
יִֽתְמָךְ
דְּבָרַ֥/י
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
שְׁמֹ֖ר
מִצְוֺתַ֣/י
וֶֽ/חְיֵֽה
וַ/יֹּרֵ֗/נִי
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ֗/י
Prep | Suff
יִֽתְמָךְ
tâmak
H8551
to grasp
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
דְּבָרַ֥/י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp | Suff
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
שְׁמֹ֖ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
מִצְוֺתַ֣/י
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fp | Suff
וֶֽ/חְיֵֽה
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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 4:4
וַ/יֹּרֵ֗/נִי
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לִ֗/י
""
Prep | Suff
יִֽתְמָךְ
tâmak
H8551
"to grasp"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This Hebrew word means to grasp or hold something, like taking hold of a person or object. It is used in books like Genesis and Psalms to describe helping or supporting someone.
Definition: 1) to grasp, hold, support, attain, lay hold of, hold fast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grasp, lay hold of, attain 1a2) to hold up, support 1a3) to hold, keep 1a4) to take hold of each other 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be held
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (take, up-) hold (up), maintain, retain, stay (up). See also: Genesis 48:17; Proverbs 5:22; Psalms 16:5.
דְּבָרַ֥/י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
שְׁמֹ֖ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
מִצְוֺתַ֣/י
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
וֶֽ/חְיֵֽה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:4
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:4
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 4:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:4
Context — A Father’s Instruction
2For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive.
3When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother,
4he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.
5Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. 6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 3:1 | My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; |
| 2 | Ephesians 6:4 | Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. |
| 3 | John 12:50 | And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 7:2 | Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 28:9 | As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. |
| 6 | 2 Timothy 3:15 | From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 6:6 | These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. |
| 8 | Hebrews 5:9 | And having been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him |
| 9 | Leviticus 18:3–5 | You must not follow the practices of the land of Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not follow the practices of the land of Canaan, into which I am bringing you. You must not walk in their customs. You are to practice My judgments and keep My statutes by walking in them. I am the LORD your God. Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD. |
| 10 | Proverbs 22:6 | Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. |
Proverbs 4:4 Summary
[This verse is saying that we should really listen to and follow God's teachings, because they will help us live a good and happy life. It's like when your parents teach you important things to keep you safe, and you listen to them because you trust them. We can trust God's words because He loves us and wants what's best for us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. By following His commands, we can experience the full and abundant life He promises, as in John 10:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'let your heart lay hold of' God's words?
This means to fully embrace and apply God's teachings to your life, as seen in Proverbs 4:4, and to trust in His promises, as in Psalm 119:114, where it says 'You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.'
How do I 'keep' God's commands?
Keeping God's commands involves obeying them and making them a part of your daily life, as Jesus taught in John 14:15, where He says 'If you love me, keep my commands.'
What is the relationship between keeping God's commands and living?
According to Proverbs 4:4, keeping God's commands is directly linked to living a fulfilling and meaningful life, as also seen in Deuteronomy 30:19, where Moses says 'This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.'
Why is it important to listen to and follow the teachings of those who have gone before us?
As seen in Proverbs 4:4, listening to and following the teachings of those who have gone before us, such as parents or spiritual leaders, can provide valuable wisdom and guidance, as also emphasized in Exodus 20:12, where it says 'Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific ways I can 'lay hold' of God's words in my life today?
- How can I prioritize keeping God's commands in my daily life, and what are some potential obstacles I may face?
- What are some areas of my life where I may be neglecting to keep God's commands, and how can I make a change?
- How does keeping God's commands bring life and fulfillment, and what are some examples of this in my own life or in the lives of others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:4
He taught me also, and said unto me,.... The Targum is, "they taught me,'' his father and his mother; and so the Septuagint version, "who said and taught me;'' and the Arabic version, "they both
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:4
He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:4
Said unto me: the following verses, at least as far as the 10th verse, are propounded as the words of David, that the name of so great a king and holy a prophet might add the more authority and efficacy to his counsels. And live, i.e. thou shalt live. It is a promise in the form of a command, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:4
Proverbs 4:4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.Ver. 4. He taught me also.] As Cato taught his own children, and took it for no disgrace, though so great a man. "Nurture" is as necessary for children as nourishment, which they that neglect to bestow upon them. are peremptores potius quam parentes - not parents, but parricides. One cause of Julian’ s apostasy was his two heathenish tutors, Libanius and Jamblicus, from whom he drank in great profaneness. Doubtless David had Nathan the prophet, and the best he could get, to breed up his son in the best things, but yet so as himself had a main stroke in the business. And said unto me.] Jacobus Valentinus, and some others, grounded an opinion from these words, that Solomon received this whole book of Proverbs following from his father David; but that is no way likely. The substance of his father’ s doctrine he briefly sets forth in this and the five following verses, and then proceeds in his own words. Retain my words.] As the good stomach doth food; as the good earth doth seed; that is, bene occatum, et occultatum, saith one. Praefat. in Cant. Cantic.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:4
(4) He taught me also.—Comp. David’s advice to Solomon (l Chron. 28:9, 10).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:4
Verse 4. He taught me also, and said] Open thy heart to receive my instructions-receive them with affection; when heard, retain and practise them; and thou shalt live-the great purpose of thy being brought into the world shall be accomplished in thee.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:4
4. he taught me also] Rather, and he taught me, R.V.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 4:4
The counsel which has come to him, in substance, from his father. Compare it with 2 Samuel 23:2 etc.; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 15:1-5; Psalms 24:1-10; Ps. 37.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:4
4. He taught — Directed. Retain — Rather, lay hold of, or hold fast.Keep — Guard or watch; implying careful effort. Comp. 1 Chronicles 28:9-10; 1 Chronicles 29:19.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Father's Counsel by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs chapter 3 and emphasizes the importance of following God's counsel. He highlights five admonitions given by God in this chapter. Th |
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Solomon speaks to his son, exhorting him to cherish the gift of marriage and to avoid being enticed by other women. He emphasizes that God is watching and pondering |
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(Proverbs) ch.1 & 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in guarding and guiding young people. He highlights three areas of concern: obedience to parents, |
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Bless the Earth, Oh My Soul! by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by asking God for the power to convey His word to those gathered who hunger for truth. The sermon is based on Luke chapter 10, where a lawyer te |
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(Proverbs) ch.3:1 - 4:9 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having genuine faith that comes from the heart, rather than just being a mental belief. He encourages the listeners to pray |
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Led by the Spirit of God - Part 5 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning to discipline and reproof. He highlights the need for believers to allow the Spirit of God to control their lives |
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(Proverbs) ch.6:12 - 8:21 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of young people not realizing their need for God. He emphasizes the importance of humility and acknowledging one's need for God's gu |