Proverbs 7:3
Proverbs 7:3 in Multiple Translations
Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
Bind them upon thy fingers; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart.
Let them be fixed to your fingers, and recorded in your heart.
Tie them to your fingers; write them in your mind.
Binde them vpon thy fingers, and write them vpon the table of thine heart.
Bind them on thy fingers, Write them on the tablet of thy heart.
Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thy heart.
Bind it upon thy fingers, write it upon the tables of thy heart.
Tie my commands around your fingers in order that they will remind you to obey them. Always keep them in mind [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 7:3
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 7:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קָשְׁרֵ֥/ם
עַל
אֶצְבְּעֹתֶ֑י/ךָ
כָּ֝תְבֵ֗/ם
עַל
ל֥וּחַ
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
קָשְׁרֵ֥/ם
qâshar
H7194
to conspire
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֶצְבְּעֹתֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼetsbaʻ
H676
finger
N-fp | Suff
כָּ֝תְבֵ֗/ם
kâthab
H3789
to write
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
ל֥וּחַ
lûwach
H3871
tablet
N-ms
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 7:3
קָשְׁרֵ֥/ם
qâshar
H7194
"to conspire"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this verb means to tie or bind something, like when God bound Isaac in Genesis 22:9. It can also mean to conspire or make an alliance, as in 2 Samuel 15:31. The KJV translates it as bind or conspire.
Definition: 1) to bind, tie, bind together, league together, conspire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, confine 1a2) to league together, conspire 1b) (Niphal) to be bound, be bound up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to bind on 1c2) to bind fast 1c3) to bind, tie 1c4) to bind to oneself 1d) (Pual) robust, vigorous (participle) 1e) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work (treason). See also: Genesis 30:41; 2 Kings 15:25; Proverbs 3:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֶצְבְּעֹתֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼetsbaʻ
H676
"finger"
N-fp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word refers to a finger or a toe, something used to grasp or hold things. It is used in the Bible to describe both the fingers on the hand and the toes on the feet. The Aramaic equivalent is also 'digit'.
Definition: finger, toe Aramaic equivalent: ets.ba (אֶצְבַּע "digit" H0677)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: finger, toe. See also: Exodus 8:15; Numbers 19:4; Psalms 8:4.
כָּ֝תְבֵ֗/ם
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
ל֥וּחַ
lûwach
H3871
"tablet"
N-ms
This word refers to a polished tablet, possibly made of stone, wood, or metal. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tablets of stone given to Moses, and is translated as board, plate, or table in the KJV.
Definition: 1) board, slab, tablet, plank 1a) tablets (of stone) 1b) boards (of wood) 1c) plate (of metal)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: board, plate, table. See also: Exodus 24:12; Deuteronomy 9:15; Proverbs 3:3.
לִבֶּֽ/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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 7:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 7:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 7:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 7:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 7:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 7:3
Context — Warnings about the Adulteress
1My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you.
2Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
3Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman, 5that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 11:18–20 | Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates, |
| 2 | Proverbs 3:3 | Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 6:8–9 | Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 31:33 | “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. |
| 5 | Isaiah 30:8 | Go now, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll; it will be for the days to come, a witness forever and ever. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 3:3 | It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. |
| 7 | Proverbs 6:21 | Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 17:1 | “The sin of Judah is written with an iron stylus, engraved with a diamond point on the tablets of their hearts and on the horns of their altars. |
Proverbs 7:3 Summary
[This verse means that we should remember and act on God's commandments in our daily lives, just like we would keep something important tied to our fingers to remind us of it. We should also try to memorize and internalize God's commandments, so they become a part of who we are, as mentioned in Jeremiah 31:33. By doing this, we can live a life that is pleasing to God, as stated in Proverbs 3:1-2. We can start by reading and studying God's word, and asking Him to help us remember His commandments, as seen in Psalm 119:9-11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to tie God's commandments to our fingers?
This is a metaphorical expression that means to remember and act on God's commandments in our daily lives, just as we would keep something tied to our fingers to remind us of it, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:8, where the Israelites were instructed to bind God's commandments as a sign on their hands.
How can we write God's commandments on the tablet of our heart?
This means to internalize and memorize God's commandments, so they become a part of who we are, as mentioned in Jeremiah 31:33, where God promises to write His laws on the hearts of His people.
Why is it important to remember God's commandments in this way?
Remembering God's commandments helps us to live a life that is pleasing to Him, as stated in Proverbs 3:1-2, where we are told that if we remember God's commandments, we will have long life and peace.
Is this verse only for children or can adults also benefit from it?
This verse is for anyone who wants to follow God's commandments, regardless of age, as seen in Psalm 119:9-11, where the psalmist asks God to help him remember His word and to teach him His statutes.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific ways I can 'tie' God's commandments to my fingers in my daily life?
- How can I prioritize memorizing and internalizing God's commandments, so they become a part of who I am?
- What are some distractions or temptations that might cause me to forget God's commandments, and how can I overcome them?
- How can I use this verse to encourage others to remember and follow God's commandments?
- What are some promises or benefits that God gives to those who remember and follow His commandments, as seen in this verse and other parts of Scripture?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:3
Bind them upon thy fingers,.... Let the above words and doctrines be as ready and familiar as if they were at the fingers' ends; or let them be always fresh in memory, as a piece of thread is tied
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:3
Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. Bind them upon thy fingers - as a precious ring, designed to be before the eyes continually as a memorial of one whom thou lovest.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 7:3
Bind them upon thy fingers; as a ring which is put upon them, and is continually in a man’ s eye. Constantly remember them, and meditate upon them. Write them upon the table of thine heart; fix them in thy mind and affection. See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:3
Proverbs 7:3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.Ver. 3. Bind them upon thy fingers.] That thou mayest have them always in sight, as God hath his people: "Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands: thy walls are continually before me." The Hebrews here refer fingers to action, heart to meditation and retention. Men should have the law of God at their fingers ends. Any of us Jews, saith Josephus, being asked of any point of the law, answereth it as readily as if he had been asked his own name: they should also be "doers of the word, and not hearers only." The hand is οργανονοργανων the instrument of action. David "lifted up both his hands to the word," as if he would pull it to him with both hands, as if he would do the deed in good earnest. The "heavens are the work of God’ s fingers"; the law should be of ours. Aristotle.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 7:3
VII. (m). Thirteenth Discourse:—Also Against Adultery (Proverbs 7). (3) Bind them upon thy fingers.—See above on Proverbs 3:3. The thong of the phylactery or fillet for the left arm was wound seven times round it, and as many times round the middle finger.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 7:3
Verse 3. Bind them upon thy fingers] See on Proverbs 3:3.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:3
3. upon thy fingers] like some precious, engraved ring, at once an ornament and a memento. The reference to the phylactery “placed at the bend of the left arm,” the thong of which “was wound about the arm in a spiral line, which ended at the top of the middle finger” (Smith’s Dict. of Bible, Frontlets) is less probable; though the Pharisee might no doubt read into such a passage as this a sanction of his broad phylactery.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:3
3. Bind them upon thy fingers — Supposed to refer to rings with large signets, containing inscriptions of important maxims. Comp. Proverbs 3:3; Son 8:6.
Sermons on Proverbs 7:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God Is Trying to Get at That Thing in You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher, inspired by the Spirit of God, reveals the reason for the ruin of the city. He explains that sin was the cause, specifically the mixing of the holy se |
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By Now You Ought to Be Teachers by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in God, drawing parallels to the Hebrew children in the fire with the fourth man, Jesus, always showing up in the midst of |
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(Christian Leadership) Heaven on Earth by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the need for Christians to embody the principles of heaven on earth, arguing that many have rejected Christ due to the poor testimony of believers. He highlig |
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Heaven on Earth by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God's Word being a guide in every aspect of our lives. He encourages Christians to teach these principles to their children |
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Husbands and Fathers - Part 4 by Derek Prince | This sermon emphasizes the role of fathers as spiritual leaders in their families, drawing insights from the story of Paul and the jailer in Philippi, the responsibilities of fathe |
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God's Truth About the Home by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of passing down the teachings of God to future generations. He references Deuteronomy chapter 4, verses 9 and 10, which instru |
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Winkie Pratney on Revival (Interview) by Winkie Pratney | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking revival and spiritual awakening, highlighting the need to focus on God's grace and mercy rather than relying solely on prayer or hu |