Proverbs 6:23
Proverbs 6:23 in Multiple Translations
For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; And reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
For the rule is a light, and the teaching a shining light; and the guiding words of training are the way of life.
For the instruction is a lamp, and the teaching is a light. The correction that comes from discipline is the way to life.
For the commandement is a lanterne, and instruction a light: and corrections for instruction are the way of life,
For a lamp [is] the command, And the law a light, And a way of life [are] reproofs of instruction,
For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
Because the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
These commands and what we teach you will be like a lamp to light your path [MET]. When we rebuke you and correct/punish you, we will be showing you the road to having a good life.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:23
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 6:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
נֵ֣ר
מִ֭צְוָה
וְ/ת֣וֹרָה
א֑וֹר
וְ/דֶ֥רֶךְ
חַ֝יִּ֗ים
תּוֹכְח֥וֹת
מוּסָֽר
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נֵ֣ר
nîyr
H5216
lamp
N-ms
מִ֭צְוָה
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fs
וְ/ת֣וֹרָה
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
Conj | N-fs
א֑וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
light
N-cs
וְ/דֶ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Conj | N-cs
חַ֝יִּ֗ים
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
תּוֹכְח֥וֹת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
rebuke
N-fp
מוּסָֽר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
N-ms
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 6:23
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.
נֵ֣ר
nîyr
H5216
"lamp"
N-ms
A lamp is a device that holds a flame, providing light. In the Bible, it's often used to symbolize guidance or spiritual light. The word can also refer to the light itself, rather than just the lamp.
Definition: lamp Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: candle, lamp, light. See also: Exodus 25:37; 1 Chronicles 28:15; Psalms 18:29.
מִ֭צְוָה
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fs
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.
וְ/ת֣וֹרָה
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
א֑וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
N-cs
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
וְ/דֶ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Conj | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
חַ֝יִּ֗ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
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.
תּוֹכְח֥וֹת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
"rebuke"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means argument, correction, or reproof, often referring to a verbal rebuke or chastisement. It involves reasoning or proof to make a point or correct someone.
Definition: rebuke, correction, punishment, chastisement
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: argument, [idiom] chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, [idiom] be (often) reproved. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Proverbs 12:1; Psalms 38:15.
מוּסָֽר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 6:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 6:23
Context — Warnings against Adultery
21Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck.
22When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.
23For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,
24to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. 25Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:105 | Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. |
| 2 | 2 Peter 1:19 | We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. |
| 3 | Psalms 19:8 | The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:31 | He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. |
| 5 | Proverbs 4:13 | Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life. |
| 6 | Proverbs 4:4 | he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 21:8 | Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. |
| 8 | Proverbs 29:15 | A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:98–100 | Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. |
| 10 | Psalms 141:5 | Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked. |
Proverbs 6:23 Summary
This verse means that God's commandments and teachings are like a lamp that guides us on the right path, and the corrections we receive from God's word help us to stay on that path and avoid sin. Just like a lamp helps us to see in the dark, God's word helps us to see what is right and wrong, and to make good choices (as in Psalm 119:105). By following God's word, we can stay on the path that leads to life, and avoid the path that leads to sin and death (as in Deuteronomy 30:19). This means that we should always keep God's word in our hearts and minds, and use it to guide our decisions and actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the commandment is a lamp?
This means that God's commandments provide guidance and direction for our lives, just like a lamp provides light in a dark place, as also seen in Psalm 119:105, which says that God's word is a lamp to our feet.
How does the teaching of God's word bring light to our lives?
The teaching of God's word brings light to our lives by revealing God's character, His plan for our lives, and His will for us, as stated in Proverbs 1:7, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
What are the reproofs of discipline mentioned in this verse?
The reproofs of discipline refer to the corrections and warnings that come from God's word and from our experiences, which help us to stay on the right path and avoid sin, as Hebrews 12:11 says that God disciplines us for our good.
How do the commandment, teaching, and reproofs of discipline lead to life?
They lead to life by guiding us away from the path of sin and death and towards the path of righteousness and eternal life, as stated in Deuteronomy 30:19, which says that we must choose life by obeying God's commandments.
Reflection Questions
- How has God's word been a lamp to you in times of darkness or uncertainty?
- What are some ways that you can apply the teaching of God's word to your life today?
- How have the reproofs of discipline helped you to grow in your faith and avoid sin?
- In what ways can you use the commandment, teaching, and reproofs of discipline to guide your decisions and choices?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment [is] a lamp,.... The law of God is a lamp or candle to see to work by and to walk by; it enlightens the eyes and directs the feet, and makes working more pleasant, and walking
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light - illuminating the soul, and guiding us into
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:23
Is a lamp; it enlightens thy dark mind, and clearly discovers to thee the plain and right way. Reproofs of instruction; wise and instructive reproofs or admonitions. The way to life; both to preserve and prolong this life, and to procure eternal life to those that obey them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:23
Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment [is] a lamp; and the law [is] light; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life:Ver. 23. For the commandment is a lamp.] Or, Candle, whereof there is no small use when men go to bed, or rise early. He that hath the word of Christ richly dwelling in him may lay his hand upon his heart, and say as dying Oecolampadius did, Hic sat lucis; here is plenty of light. Under the law all was in riddles; Moses was veiled; and yet that saying was then verified, Et latet et lucet. There was light enough to light men to Christ, "the end of the law." And reproofs of instruction.] Or, Corrections of instructions. A lesson set on with a whipping is best remembered.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:23
(23) For the commandment is a lamp . . .—Comp. Psalms 19:8, and Psalms 119:98-100; Psalms 119:104-105. The servant of God may often feel much perplexity as to his duty, darkness may seem to have settled down upon his path. But there is always some “commandment,” or positive order, about which he can have no doubt, calling for his immediate obedience; there is always some “law,” or rather “instruction” in God’s Word offering itself as his guide; there are always some “reproofs of discipline,” that is, he knows he has certain things to shun, others to follow, for the purpose of self-discipline. It is by following out these parts of his duty that he does know, which are, as it were, a “light shining in a dark place “(2 Peter 1:19), that man prepares himself for more light and clearer vision; then God “opens his eyes” that he may “behold wondrous things out of His law” (Psalms 119:18); because he has some knowledge of God’s will and desire to do it, more is given unto him (Matthew 13:12), and his path becomes continually clearer, shining “more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:23
Verse 23. For the commandment is a lamp] It illuminates our path. It shows us how we should walk and praise God. And the law is light] A general light, showing the nature and will of GOD, and the interest and duty of MAN. And reproofs of instruction] Or, that instruction which reproves us for our sins and errors leads us into the way of life.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:23
23. the commandment … the law] or, their commandment … their teaching, R.V. marg. The two renderings are practically the same. See on Proverbs 6:22. reproofs of instruction] “Light” is not enough: “all effectual instruction for the sinful children of men includes and implies chastening, or as we are accustomed to say, correction:” per molestias eruditio.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 6:23
Compare Psalms 119:105.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:23
23. Reproofs of instruction — Instructive reproofs, or restraining admonitions. Youth is self-willed, inclined to throw off restraints of law, and to indulge in sensual gratifications.
Sermons on Proverbs 6:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Saved Through the Fire) 15 - the Escaped Remnant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal growth and spiritual transformation. He shares his own experiences of being separated from friends and going throu |
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06 Purity in Sexual Matters by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the heart of God when reading the Bible, highlighting the longing and grief God expresses for His people to follow His comman |
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The Wise and the Foolish Virgins by W.F. Kumuyi | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and ready for the return of Christ, drawing from the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. It highlights the |
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God Sees and Waits for One Person to Stand in the Gap to Bless by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God, warning against the dangers of cutting oneself off from communion with God and fellowship with other believers. It highlights |
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Cut Off! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a young boy named Samuel who had a tragic accident while working in a workshop. Samuel's arm was severed by a piece of mac |
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Take Heed How You Hear by J.B. Stoney | J.B. Stoney emphasizes the importance of God's revelation as light in a world darkened by man's own reasoning and desires. He contrasts man's limited understanding with the illumin |
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Psalm 56 by Henry Law | The preacher delves into the significance of a lamp in the Bible, emphasizing its metaphorical uses such as representing the eye, the prophecies of the Old Testament, a teacher, an |