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Proverbs 1:9

Proverbs 1:9 in Multiple Translations

For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.

For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

For they shall be a chaplet of grace unto thy head, And chains about thy neck.

For they will be a crown of grace for your head, and chain-ornaments about your neck.

They are a wreath of grace to decorate your head; they are pendants for your neck.

For they shalbe a comely ornament vnto thine head, and as chaines for thy necke.

For a graceful wreath [are] they to thy head, And chains to thy neck.

for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.

For they shalt be an ornament of grace to thy head, and chains about thy neck.

That grace may be added to thy head, and a chain of gold to thy neck.

What we teach you will make you respected like having a lovely turban around your head and like a beautiful necklace to put around your neck.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:9

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 1:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּ֤י לִוְיַ֤ת חֵ֓ן הֵ֬ם לְ/רֹאשֶׁ֑/ךָ וַ֝/עֲנָקִ֗ים לְ/גַרְגְּרֹתֶֽי/ךָ
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj
לִוְיַ֤ת livyâh H3880 wreath N-fs
חֵ֓ן chên H2580 favor N-ms
הֵ֬ם hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron
לְ/רֹאשֶׁ֑/ךָ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ֝/עֲנָקִ֗ים ʻânâq H6060 neck Conj | N-mp
לְ/גַרְגְּרֹתֶֽי/ךָ gargᵉrôwth H1621 neck Prep | N-fp | Suff
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 1:9

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.
לִוְיַ֤ת livyâh H3880 "wreath" N-fs
A wreath or ornament was something attached or joined, often used to symbolize beauty or honor. In the Bible, wreaths were used as decorations or symbols of celebration, and the word is translated as 'ornament' in some versions.
Definition: wreath
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: ornament. See also: Proverbs 1:9; Proverbs 4:9.
חֵ֓ן chên H2580 "favor" N-ms
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.
הֵ֬ם hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
לְ/רֹאשֶׁ֑/ךָ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms | Suff
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.
וַ֝/עֲנָקִ֗ים ʻânâq H6060 "neck" Conj | N-mp
A necklace or chain, symbolizing adornment or decoration, as mentioned in Song of Solomon 1. This word represents a decorative item worn around the neck.
Definition: (TWOT) neck
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: chain. See also: Judges 8:26; Proverbs 1:9; Song of Solomon 4:9.
לְ/גַרְגְּרֹתֶֽי/ךָ gargᵉrôwth H1621 "neck" Prep | N-fp | Suff
Refers to the neck or throat, often used figuratively in the Bible. It appears in descriptions of animals that ruminate, like cows. The KJV translates it simply as 'neck'.
Definition: neck (always fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: neck. See also: Proverbs 1:9; Proverbs 3:22; Proverbs 3:3.

Study Notes — Proverbs 1:9

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Daniel 5:29 Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
2 Proverbs 4:9 She will set a garland of grace on your head; she will present you with a crown of beauty.”
3 Genesis 41:42 Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
4 Proverbs 3:22 They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck.
5 Proverbs 6:20–21 My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck.
6 Ezekiel 16:11 I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck.
7 Isaiah 3:19 their pendants, bracelets, and veils;
8 Song of Solomon 1:10 Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels.
9 Daniel 5:7 The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
10 Daniel 5:16 But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

Proverbs 1:9 Summary

Proverbs 1:9 says that the teachings of our parents are like beautiful jewelry that adorns our lives. Just like a garland of flowers or a pendant around our neck, their instruction brings beauty and honor to us. When we follow their guidance, we are showing respect and love for them, and for God, who commands us to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3). By doing so, we can experience the blessings and favor of God in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the phrase 'garland of grace' mean in Proverbs 1:9?

The phrase 'garland of grace' refers to the beautiful and honorable adornment that comes from following the instruction of one's parents, as seen in Proverbs 1:8, and is a symbol of God's favor and blessing, as mentioned in Psalms 103:4.

How can the teachings of my parents be a 'pendant around my neck'?

The teachings of your parents can be a 'pendant around your neck' by serving as a constant reminder of their love, wisdom, and guidance, much like the pendant serves as a visible symbol of beauty and significance, as seen in Exodus 28:36-38 where the high priest wore a pendant as a symbol of his office.

Is this verse only applicable to children?

While Proverbs 1:9 is addressed to a child, the principle of honoring and following the instruction of those in authority over us is applicable to all believers, as seen in Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20.

How can I apply this verse in my daily life?

You can apply Proverbs 1:9 in your daily life by seeking to honor and follow the instruction of your parents and other authorities over you, and by recognizing the value and beauty of their guidance, as seen in Proverbs 6:20-23.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can show respect and honor to my parents and other authorities in my life?
  2. How can I balance the desire to follow my own path with the need to follow the instruction of those over me?
  3. What are some 'garlands of grace' that I have received in my life, and how can I use them to glorify God?
  4. In what ways can I pass on the teachings and values that I have received from my parents and others to the next generation?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:9

For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head,.... The instructions and laws of parents being attended unto and obeyed by children, render them more lovely and amiable than any beautiful

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:9

For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:9

This will make thee amiable and honourable in the sight of God and of men; whereas the forsaking of those good counsels will make thee contemptible.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:9

Proverbs 1:9 For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.Ver. 9. For they shall be an ornament.] "A man’ s wisdom maketh his face to shine." Tum pietate gravem, &c. Oυτοχρυσοςουτεαδαμαςουτωςαστραπτει. Neither gold nor precious stone so glittereth, saith Plato, as the prudent mind of a pious person. Nothing so beautifies as grace doth. Moses and Joseph were "fair to God," and favoured of all men. A crown of gold, a chain of pearl, are no such ornaments as are here commended. Virgil. Plato.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:9

(9) Ornament of grace.—Given by Wisdom. (Comp. Proverbs 4:9.) Chains about thy neck.—The reward of Joseph (Genesis 41:42) and of Daniel (Daniel 5:29).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:9

Verse 9. An ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains] That is, filial respect and obedience will be as ornamental to thee as crowns, diadems, and golden chains and pearls are to others. Political dignity has been distinguished in many nations by a chain of gold about the neck. Solomon seems here to intimate, if we follow the metaphor, that the surest way of coming to distinguished eminence, in civil matters, is to act according to the principles of true wisdom, proceeding from the fear of God.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:9

9. ornament] Rather, chaplet, R.V. στέφανον, LXX. See Proverbs 4:9, where the same phrase chaplet of grace occurs, with crown of glory, as its equivalent in the parallel clause of the verse. chains] not of bondage, but of honour and ornament. Genesis 41:42; Daniel 5:29; Son 4:9; Judges 8:26.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:9

To the Israelite’s mind no signs or badges of joy or glory were higher in worth than the garland around the head, the gold chain around the neck, worn by kings and the favorites of kings Genesis 41:42; Daniel 5:29.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:9

9. They shall be an ornament of grace — As a graceful garland around thy head, and as chains, or necklaces, around thy neck.

Sermons on Proverbs 1:9

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon The Glorying of Leaven by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Belshazzar and how he was blind to the truth and hardened to the gospel. The preacher then paraphrases Matthew chapte
Thomas Watson Let Us Not Grow Weary by Thomas Watson Thomas Watson preaches on the importance of not growing weary in well-doing, emphasizing that despite the challenges and sufferings faced in a Christian course, believers should pe
Jacob Prasch One Messiah, Two Comings by Jacob Prasch In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting a verse from the Bible that declares the power and authority of the Lord. He then relates this verse to the current situation in Jerus
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 41:42-45 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph in the land of Egypt. Joseph is called upon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, revealing that there will be seven years of fa
Paul Washer The Godly Family - Part 3 by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of marriage, starting with courtship and moving on to various aspects of married life. He emphasizes the importance of parents in pr
Russell Kelfer God's Truth: Authority and Discipline by Russell Kelfer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's word and the need for consistency in following through with what is said. He shares a personal anecdote about his so
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Proverbs 6-10 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher gives two exhortations to his son. The first exhortation is against guaranteeing for somebody else, emphasizing the danger of striking hands with a str

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