Proverbs 8:23
Proverbs 8:23 in Multiple Translations
From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began.
I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was.
From eternal days I was given my place, from the birth of time, before the earth was.
I was formed a long time ago, at the first, before the world began.
I was set vp from euerlasting, from the beginning and before the earth.
From the age I was anointed, from the first, From former states of the earth.
I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.
I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth was made.
He appointed me long ago, before he created the earth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:23
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 8:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵ֭/עוֹלָם
נִסַּ֥כְתִּי
מֵ/רֹ֗אשׁ
מִ/קַּדְמֵי
אָֽרֶץ
מֵ֭/עוֹלָם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
נִסַּ֥כְתִּי
nâçak
H5258
to pour
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
מֵ/רֹ֗אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
מִ/קַּדְמֵי
qedem
H6924
front
Prep | N-mp
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
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 8:23
מֵ֭/עוֹלָם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
נִסַּ֥כְתִּי
nâçak
H5258
"to pour"
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to pour out or install, often used for setting up a king or offering a sacrifice. It appears in Exodus and Numbers, describing rituals and ceremonies. The word is also used for melting metal.
Definition: 1) to pour out, pour, offer, cast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour out 1a2) to cast metal images 1a3) to anoint (a king) 1b) (Niphal) to be anointed 1c) (Piel) to pour out (as a libation) 1d) (Hiphil) to pour out libations 1e) (Hophal) to be poured out Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "to pour" H5260)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, melt, offer, (cause to) pour (out), set (up). See also: Genesis 35:14; Isaiah 30:1; Psalms 2:6.
מֵ/רֹ֗אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
מִ/קַּדְמֵי
qedem
H6924
"front"
Prep | N-mp
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 8:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 8:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 8:23
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
21bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
22The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old.
23From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began.
24When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water. 25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 17:24 | Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world. |
| 2 | Psalms 2:6 | “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” |
| 3 | Genesis 1:26 | Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.” |
| 4 | Micah 5:2 | But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel — One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. |
| 5 | 1 John 1:1–2 | That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life. And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. |
| 6 | John 17:5 | And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed. |
| 7 | Ephesians 1:10–11 | as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ. In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, |
Proverbs 8:23 Summary
[This verse tells us that Wisdom has been around forever, even before the earth was created, which shows us how important Wisdom is to God. Wisdom is not something that God created, but it is a part of who He is, as seen in Psalm 104:24 where God's wisdom is described as the source of all creation. This means that when we seek Wisdom, we are seeking to understand God's nature and plan, which is a wonderful thing to pursue, and as Jesus said in Matthew 7:7-8, if we seek, we will find.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Wisdom was established from everlasting?
This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of Wisdom, who has existed from before the creation of the world, as seen in Psalm 90:2 where God is described as being from everlasting to everlasting.
Is Wisdom a separate entity from God?
While Wisdom is personified in Proverbs 8:23, it is not a separate entity from God, but rather an attribute or aspect of God's character, as seen in Jesus Christ who is the wisdom of God in 1 Corinthians 1:24.
How does this verse relate to the creation story in Genesis?
This verse provides insight into the pre-existence of Wisdom before the creation of the earth, which is also seen in Genesis 1:1 where God is described as existing before the creation of the world.
What is the significance of Wisdom being established before the earth began?
This emphasizes the importance and priority of Wisdom in God's plan, highlighting that Wisdom is not a creation of God, but an essential part of His nature, as seen in Jeremiah 10:12 where God's wisdom is described as the source of His creative power.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to prioritize Wisdom in my life, and how can I apply this principle in my daily decisions?
- How does the eternal nature of Wisdom impact my understanding of God's character and plan?
- In what ways can I seek to understand and apply the Wisdom that has been established from everlasting?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and plan for my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:23
I was set up from everlasting,.... I, a person, and not a quality; a person, and not a nature; the person of Christ as the Son of God, and not the human nature of Christ, which then did not exist;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:23
I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. I was set up - literally, 'anointed;' i:e., set apart, in the purposes of God, to be Lord and King of the world.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:23
Set up, Heb. anointed; ordained or constituted to be the person by whom the Father resolved to do all his works, first to create, and then to uphold, and govern, and judge, and afterwards to redeem and save the world; all which works are particularly ascribed to the Son of God, as is manifest from , &c.; ,17 Hebrews 1:3, and many other places, as we may see hereafter in their several places. From the beginning; before which there was nothing but a vast eternity. Or ever the earth was; which he mentions, because this, together with the heaven, was the first of God’ s visible works.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:23
Proverbs 8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.Ver. 23. I was set up.] Coronata sum; I was crowned; so some render it. Inuncta fui, I was anointed - so others - for king, priest, and prophet of my Church. And to this high honour I grew not up by degrees, but had it presently from before all beginnings.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:23
(23) I was set up.—An unusual word; also applied to our Lord in Psalms 2:6 when “set” as King on Zion.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:23
Verse 23. I was set up from everlasting] נסכתי nissachti, "I was diffused or poured out," from נסך nasach, "to diffuse, pour abroad, as a spirit or disposition," Isaiah 29:10. See Parkhurst. Or from סך sach, "to cover, overspread, smear over, as with oil;" to be anointed king. Hence some have translated it, principatum habui, I had the principality, or was a ruler, governor, and director, from eternity. All the schemes, plans, and circumstances, relative to creation, government, providence, and to all being, material, animal, and intellectual, were conceived in the Divine mind, by the Divine wisdom, from eternity, or ever the earth was. There was no fortuitous creation, no jumbling concourse of original atoms, that entered into the composition of created beings; all was the effect of the plans before conceived, laid down, and at last acted upon by God's eternal wisdom.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:23
23. set up] Gesenius renders anointed here and in Psalms 2:6, where the same word occurs. But “the verb means ‘to pour out,’ and then ‘to pour metals in a state of fusion into a mould’: hence it passes over into the meaning of setting fast, establishing, &c. So the Niph, Proverbs 8:23, and hence πָ ?ρִ ?ικְ means, not ‘one anointed,’ but ‘one appointed’ to his office.” Bp. Perowne, Crit. Note on Psalms 2:6. See also note there in this Series. ἐθεμελίωσέμε, LXX., ordinata sum, Vulg.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:23
I was set up - Rather, “I was anointed” (compare Psalms 2:6 margin: 2 Chronicles 28:15).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:23
23. I was set up from everlasting — Rather, from eternity, or from unknown ages, I was anointed. From the beginning — Before the earth existed.
Sermons on Proverbs 8:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Triumph of God's Glory by Festo Kivengere | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the excitement of being alive in America today. He encourages the audience to boldly raise their banners and speak their words from the bott |
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Shedding of the Blood by F.J. Huegel | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the shedding of Jesus' blood as the central theme. The sermon begins by discussing the soldiers who came to the bodies after Jesus' crucifix |
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How Is It That God Desires to Be With Man? by Bob Jennings | This sermon reflects on the preciousness of Scripture, focusing on John 17 where Jesus expresses His desire for believers to be with Him and behold His glory in Heaven. It emphasiz |
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No One Ever Spoke Like This Man by John Piper | This sermon delves into the unique claims of Jesus Christ, focusing on how His words divided people then and continue to do so today. The message emphasizes the importance of fully |
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I Will Come Again! by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the fellowship and appreciation from the audience. He then shifts the focus to the topic of the coming of the Lord, r |
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The Three Prayers (Part 3) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a scene of chickens and a rooster in a courtyard, which transitions to the sound of Frank Sinatra singing "Strangers in the Night." |
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A Plea for Unity by George Verwer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the challenges faced by mechanics and switchboard operators in their daily work. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual balance and commit |