Proverbs 2:4
Proverbs 2:4 in Multiple Translations
if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure,
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
If thou seek her as silver, And search for her as for hid treasures:
If you are looking for her as for silver, and searching for her as for stored-up wealth;
if you look for it as if it were silver and search for it as if it were hidden treasure;
If thou seekest her as siluer, and searchest for her as for treasures,
If thou dost seek her as silver, And as hid treasures searchest for her,
if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures;
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
If thou shalt seek her as money, and shalt dig for her as for a treasure:
Search eagerly for wisdom, like you would search for silver, like you would search for a treasure that someone has hidden.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 2:4
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 2:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
תְּבַקְשֶׁ֥/נָּה
כַ/כָּ֑סֶף
וְֽ/כַ/מַּטְמוֹנִ֥ים
תַּחְפְּשֶֽׂ/נָּה
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תְּבַקְשֶׁ֥/נָּה
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
כַ/כָּ֑סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
Prep | N-ms
וְֽ/כַ/מַּטְמוֹנִ֥ים
maṭmôwn
H4301
treasure
Conj | Prep | N-mp
תַּחְפְּשֶֽׂ/נָּה
châphas
H2664
to search
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | 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 2:4
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תְּבַקְשֶׁ֥/נָּה
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
כַ/כָּ֑סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
Prep | N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
וְֽ/כַ/מַּטְמוֹנִ֥ים
maṭmôwn
H4301
"treasure"
Conj | Prep | N-mp
Matmon refers to a hidden treasure or secret storehouse, often containing valuable items like money. It is translated as hidden riches or treasure in the Bible. This word is used to describe something of great value that is kept secret or hidden away.
Definition: hidden treasure, treasure
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: hidden riches, (hid) treasure(-s). See also: Genesis 43:23; Proverbs 2:4; Isaiah 45:3.
תַּחְפְּשֶֽׂ/נָּה
châphas
H2664
"to search"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for search means to look for something or someone, and can also mean to disguise oneself or hide. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 119:2, where it means to seek God's commands.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, to search out, disguise oneself 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search for 1a2) to think out, devise 1a3) to search, test 1b) (Niphal) to be searched out, be exposed 1c) (Piel) to search, search through, search for 1d) (Pual) to be searched for, be sought out 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to disguise oneself 1e2) to let oneself be searched for
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: change, (make) diligent (search), disquise self, hide, search (for, out). See also: Genesis 31:35; Job 30:18; Psalms 64:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 2:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 2:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 2:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 2:4
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:4
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 2:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 2:4
Context — The Benefits of Wisdom
2if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding,
3if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,
4if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure,
5then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. 6For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 13:44 | The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:16 | How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. |
| 3 | Matthew 19:29 | And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. |
| 4 | Job 3:21 | who long for death that does not come, and search for it like hidden treasure, |
| 5 | Job 28:12–20 | But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. Topaz from Cush cannot compare to it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. From where then does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell? |
| 6 | Proverbs 8:18–19 | With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver. |
| 7 | Luke 16:8 | The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light. |
| 8 | Psalms 119:14 | I rejoice in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches. |
| 9 | Proverbs 23:23 | Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:72 | The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. |
Proverbs 2:4 Summary
This verse means that we should look for wisdom with the same excitement and energy that we would look for a precious treasure. Just like someone searching for hidden treasure would be careful and determined, we should be careful and determined to find wisdom. As we seek wisdom, we can remember that it is a treasure that comes from God, as seen in James 1:5, and that it will help us to understand and respect Him, as seen in Proverbs 2:5. By seeking wisdom in this way, we can discover the knowledge of God and live a life that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to seek wisdom like silver?
Seeking wisdom like silver, as mentioned in Proverbs 2:4, means to highly value and diligently search for wisdom, just as one would search for a precious and valuable treasure, as seen in Proverbs 3:13-15 and Job 28:12-19.
How can I search for wisdom like hidden treasure?
Searching for wisdom like hidden treasure involves a diligent and intentional pursuit of understanding, as described in Proverbs 2:4, and can be accomplished through prayer, reading Scripture, and seeking guidance from wise mentors, as seen in Proverbs 11:14 and Psalm 119:66.
Is seeking wisdom a one-time event or an ongoing process?
Seeking wisdom is an ongoing process, as indicated in Proverbs 2:4, and requires a lifelong commitment to learning, growing, and seeking God's guidance, as seen in Proverbs 9:10 and 2 Timothy 2:15.
What is the relationship between seeking wisdom and fearing the Lord?
Seeking wisdom and fearing the Lord are closely related, as seen in Proverbs 2:4-5, where seeking wisdom leads to discerning the fear of the Lord, and as described in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my desire to seek wisdom like silver in my daily life?
- How can I balance the pursuit of wisdom with the demands of my daily responsibilities and priorities?
- In what ways can I search for wisdom like hidden treasure, and what treasures have I discovered so far in my journey?
- What are some common obstacles that can hinder my pursuit of wisdom, and how can I overcome them?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:4
If thou seekest her as silver,.... That is, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding; which all signify and relate unto one and the same thing, expressed here by "her": namely, the doctrine of wisdom, or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:4
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as (for) hid treasures - not content with merely one look, or an
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:4
With the same unwearied diligence, and earnest desire, and patient expectation under all delays, disappointments, and difficulties, which worldlings use in the purchase of riches, or in digging in mines of silver.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:4
Proverbs 2:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures;Ver. 4. If thou seekest her as silver.] Opulentissima metalla quorum in alta latent venae, saith Seneca, Your richest metals lie lowest. Viscera terrae extrahimus, ut digito gestetur gemma, quam petimus, saith Pliny; We draw out the very bowels of the earth, that we may get the gem that we desire. Shall we not do as much for this pearl of price, the knowledge of God and his will, of ourselves, and our duties? Beg we must; but with it we must dig too, and continue to do so, searching for her as for hid treasures. Ora et labora, for else "the talk of the lip only brings want." What man, finding a rich mine of gold or silver, is content with the first ore that offers itself to his view, and doth not dig deeper and deeper till he become owner of the whole treasure? So here, "Then shall ye know, if ye follow on to know the Lord," if ye cease not till ye get all the dimensions of knowledge mentioned by the apostle, till ye see that blissful sight. Seneca, Epist. 23. Lib. ii. cap. 65.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 2:4
(4) If thou seekest her as silver.—That the process of mining was understood long before the time of Solomon, is proved by the remains of copper mines discovered in the peninsula of Sinai, and the gold mines in the Bisháree desert of Egypt. Rock inscriptions have been found near the former, dating from a great age, in the opinion of Lepsius from 4000 B.C. (See the article “Mines,” in Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible; comp. also the description in Job 28:1-11.) Silver was brought to Solomon from Arabia (2 Chronicles 9:14) and Tarshish (2 Chronicles 9:21), probably Tartessus, in Spain. Searchest for her as for hid treasures.—From the great insecurity of life and property in Eastern countries, the hiding of treasures in the earth has always been of frequent occurrence. It would often, no doubt, happen that the owner would die without disclosing the place of concealment to any one else, and the treasure thus be lost. Hunting after such hoards has in consequence been always of the keenest interest to Orientals, and as such furnishes the groundwork for one of our Lord’s parables (Matthew 13:44).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 2:4
Verse 4. If thou seekest her as silver] How do men seek money? What will they not do to get rich? Reader, seek the salvation of thy soul as earnestly as the covetous man seeks wealth; and be ashamed of thyself, if thou be less in earnest after the true riches than he is after perishing wealth. Hid treasures] The original word signifies property of any kind concealed in the earth, in caves or such like; and may also mean treasures, such as the precious metals or precious stones, which are presumptively known to exist in such and such mines. And how are these sought? Learn from the following circumstance: In the Brazils slaves are employed to scrape up the soil from the bed of the Rio Janeiro, and wash it carefully, in order to find particles of gold and diamonds; and it is a law of the state, that he who finds a diamond of so many carats shall have his freedom. This causes the greatest ardour and diligence in searching, washing out the soil, picking, c., in order to find such diamonds, and the greatest anxiety for success so precious is liberty to the human heart. This method of searching for gold and precious stones is alluded to in Proverbs 3:13-15. In this way Solomon wishes men to seek for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding; and he who succeeds finds the liberty of the children of God, and is saved from the slavery of sin and the empire of death.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:4
4. as silver … hid treasures] It has been supposed that there is reference here to the eagerness and effort connected with the discovery and working of a silver mine, and to the search for treasure hidden in the earth. See, for example, Dean Plumptre’s interesting note on this verse in the Speaker’s Commentary. It may well be doubted, however, whether by silver be not rather meant, money, or wealth, generally. LXX. ἀργύριον, Vulg. pecuniam. Comp. φιλαργυρία, 1 Timothy 6:10; ἀφιλάργυρος, Hebrews 13:5. (See Smith’s Bible Dict., Art. Silver: “its chief use was as a medium of exchange, and throughout the O.T. we find ceseph, silver, used for money, like the Fr. argent.”) We are told that silver, as a metal, was “nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon,” 1 Kings 10:21. So again it is doubtful whether any great stress is to be laid upon “hid treasures” (Matthew 13:44). The word here is lit. “hidden things,” and so, treasures, because we hide them for safety (Genesis 43:23, A.V. and R.V. Comp.
Isaiah 45:3). The LXX. render ἐὰν … ὡςθησαυροὺςἐξερευνήσῃς, Vulg. si … sicut thesauros effoderis. It is rather the value set upon Wisdom, than the difficulty of search for her that is here in view. She is a gift, after all (Proverbs 2:6), though a gift to those only who seek her diligently (Luke 11:5-13).
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 2:4
Note the illustrations. (1) Contact with Phoenician commerce, and joint expeditions in ships of Tarshish (see Psalms 72:10 note), had made the Israelites familiar with the risks and the enterprise of the miller’s life.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:4
3, 4. If thou… liftest up thy voice — Callest aloud; denoting eagerness of desire. Seekest… searchest — And that as for things that men value most, as silver, and hid, or concealed, treasures.
Sermons on Proverbs 2:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Daniel: The Man God Uses #5) Fragrance of Christ by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes three main points. Firstly, he states that life is like a party and should not be taken seriously. He argues that people should not be conce |
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Manifest Presence of God - Part 6 by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the importance of understanding and knowing God, emphasizing that true glory comes from this intimate knowledge of the Lord who exercises loving kindnes |
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The Duty of Searching the Scriptures. (John 5:39) by George Whitefield | George Whitefield preaches on the importance of searching the Scriptures, emphasizing that many errors in the church stem from ignorance of God's Word. He highlights how Jesus, des |
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The Treasure Is in a Field by Jack Hyles | Jack Hyles preaches about the importance of recognizing the treasure within individuals despite their imperfections, using the analogy of a treasure hidden in a field. He emphasize |
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Manifest Presence of God - Part 7 by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler emphasizes the importance of valuing and diligently seeking the true knowledge of God, comparing it to searching for hidden treasures. He highlights the need for ea |
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He Expounded Unto Them in All the Scriptures the Things Concerning Himself by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound journey of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, where Jesus, the ultimate teacher, expounded the Scriptures concerning Himself. He highlig |
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How Much Time for the Bible? by R. Stanley | R. Stanley delivers a sermon emphasizing the importance of spending quality time with the Bible, comparing it to the hard work of bees in producing honey. He highlights the need fo |