Proverbs 3:12
Proverbs 3:12 in Multiple Translations
for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth, Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
For to those who are dear to him the Lord says sharp words, and makes the son in whom he has delight undergo pain.
for the Lord corrects those he loves, as a father corrects a son who pleases him.
For the Lord correcteth him, whome he loueth, euen as the father doeth the childe in whom he deliteth.
For whom Jehovah loveth He reproveth, Even as a father the son He is pleased with.
for whom the LORD loves, he corrects, even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
For whom the Lord loveth, he chastiseth: and as a father in the son he pleaseth himself.
I say that because it is the people whom Yahweh loves that he corrects/reproves, just like parents correct/reprove their sons whom they love.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:12
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 3:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
אֶ֥ת
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
יֶאֱהַ֣ב
יְהוָ֣ה
יוֹכִ֑יחַ
וּ֝/כְ/אָ֗ב
אֶת
בֵּ֥ן
יִרְצֶֽה
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶ֥ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יֶאֱהַ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
יוֹכִ֑יחַ
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
וּ֝/כְ/אָ֗ב
ʼâb
H1
father
Conj | Prep | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בֵּ֥ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
יִרְצֶֽה
râtsâh
H7521
to accept
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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 3:12
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.
אֶ֥ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יֶאֱהַ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יוֹכִ֑יחַ
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to decide, judge 1a2) to adjudge, appoint 1a3) to show to be right, prove 1a4) to convince, convict 1a5) to reprove, chide 1a6) to correct, rebuke 1b) (Hophal) to be chastened 1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together 1d) (Hithp) to argue
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. See also: Genesis 20:16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 6:2.
וּ֝/כְ/אָ֗ב
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בֵּ֥ן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִרְצֶֽה
râtsâh
H7521
"to accept"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to accept or be pleased with something, like God accepting our prayers. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, showing God's favor towards us. This word is about being satisfied or delighted.
Definition: 1) to be pleased with, be favourable to, accept favourably 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be pleased with, be favourable to 1a2) to accept 1a3) to be pleased, be determined 1a4) to make acceptable, satisfy 1a5) to please 1b) (Niphal) to be accepted, be pleased with 1c) (Piel) to seek favour of 1d) (Hiphil) to please, pay off 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself acceptable or pleasing
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (be) accept(-able), accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with, delight (self), enjoy, (be, have a) favour(-able), like, observe, pardon, (be, have, take) please(-ure), reconcile self. See also: Genesis 33:10; Psalms 50:18; Psalms 40:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:12
Context — Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart
10then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke;
12for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.
13Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, 14for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 8:5 | So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you. |
| 2 | Revelation 3:19 | Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. |
| 3 | Proverbs 29:17 | Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. |
| 4 | Proverbs 13:24 | He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. |
| 5 | Psalms 103:13 | As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. |
Proverbs 3:12 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 3:12, tells us that God disciplines those He loves, just like a father disciplines his child. This means that when we are facing hard times or difficulties, it may be because God is trying to teach us something or help us grow in our faith, as seen in Hebrews 12:7-11. We can trust that God's discipline is always motivated by love, and that He wants what is best for us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By responding to His discipline with humility and obedience, we can learn and grow, and become more like Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God discipline us if He loves us?
God disciplines us because He loves us, just like a father disciplines his child to teach them right from wrong, as seen in Proverbs 3:12 and Hebrews 12:6. This discipline is a sign of His love and care for us, helping us to become more like Jesus Christ.
How can I know if I am being disciplined by God or if I'm just facing difficult circumstances?
We can know that God is disciplining us when we are facing trials and tribulations, but still have a sense of peace and comfort in our hearts, as promised in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 119:71. We must also examine our hearts and lives to see if there is any sin or disobedience that may be causing the discipline.
Does God discipline everyone the same way?
No, God disciplines each of us uniquely, according to our individual needs and circumstances, as seen in 1 Corinthians 11:32 and 2 Samuel 7:14. He knows exactly what we need to learn and grow, and He tailors His discipline to fit our specific situations.
How should I respond to God's discipline in my life?
We should respond to God's discipline with humility, repentance, and a willingness to learn and grow, as seen in Proverbs 3:11-12 and Psalm 51:17. We should also thank Him for His love and care, and trust that He is working everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing God's discipline, and how can I respond to it in a way that is pleasing to Him?
- How can I balance the idea of God's discipline with His love and mercy, as seen in Proverbs 3:12 and Ephesians 2:4-5?
- In what ways can I cooperate with God's discipline in my life, and what are some practical steps I can take to learn and grow from it?
- How can I share the truth about God's discipline with others, and help them to understand its purpose and value in their lives?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:12
For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth,.... This is a reason why the children of God should not despise corrections, nor be weary of them; since they spring from love, are given in love, nor is there
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:12
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:12
Afflictions are not infelicities, but benefits and comforts, because their are testimonies of God’ s love, which is infinitely more desirable than any evil can be terrible. They show God’ s purpose, and desire, and care to purge us from our sins, and to make us fit for his presence and kingdom. This and the former verse seem to be here inserted in the midst of his commendations of wisdom, to remove an objection against the excellency and happiness of wise or pious men, taken from those many calamities to which such persons are frequently exposed, the reason of which providence he here giveth.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:12
Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son [in whom] he delighteth.Ver. 12. For whom the Lord loveth.] The saints’ afflictions proceed oft from love displeased, offended. And yet we have some now that tell us that God is never displeased with his people, though they fall into adultery, or the like sin, no, not with a fatherly displeasure; that God never chastiseth his people for any sin, no, not with a fatherly chastisement. But he (though a father) doth alter the set of his looks towards his child, who is wanton upon his love, and lets down the diligence of his just observance and duty. In whom he delighteth.] Quem unice diligit, Whom he cockers above the rest of his children. That son in whom he is well pleased, saith Mercerus; quem approbat, whom he makes his whiteboy. So Theophylact, Qui excipitur a numero flagellatorum, excipitur a numero filiorum. He that escapes affliction, may well suspect his adoption. See my "Love tokens," p. 54,55.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:12
Verse 12. Whom the Lord loveth] To encourage thee to bear correction, know that it is a proof of God's love to thee; and thereby he shows that he treats thee as a father does his son, even that one to whom he bears the fondest affection. The last clause the Septuagint translate μαστιγοιδεπανταυἱονὁνπαραδεχεται, "and chasteneth every son whom he receiveth;" and the apostle, Hebrews 12:6, quotes this literatim. Both clauses certainly amount to the same sense. Every son whom he receiveth, and the son in whom he delighteth, have very little difference of meaning.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:12
12. even as a father &c.] The LXX. (reading the same Heb. consonants with different vowels) renders this clause, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth, which is followed in Hebrews 12:6. The R.V., guided perhaps by the direct address, “My son,” Proverbs 3:11, begins the fresh paragraph there. The thought will then be: Wisdom has been commended to you by the happiness it brings (Proverbs 3:1-10); but if you have to suffer in the pursuit of it, be not discouraged (Proverbs 3:11-12); for it is worth the cost (Proverbs 3:13-20). The argument is in reality continuous, however the paragraphs are arranged.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:12
The first distinct utterance of a truth which has been so full of comfort to many thousands; it is the summing up of all controversies (compare John 9:2) as to the mystery of suffering.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:12
11, 12. Despise not the chastening — Suppose it be the Lord’s will, as it may, that any affliction befall thee, contemn not the discipline, as if it were a mere natural occurrence or accident.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
To Love the Word of God (Part 4) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He highlights that many people desire to escape hell and go to he |
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What Is Wrong With the Pulpits? (Clip) by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the challenging and often offensive message of the gospel, highlighting the need to address sin, judgment, repentance, and the reality of hell. It warns agai |
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It's Time for Tough Love by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the necessity of tough love in the church, drawing from the Apostle Paul's example of speaking the truth in love. He argues that the current state of the n |
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Rev. 3:19. the Love and the Discipline by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the dual nature of Christ's love as both tender and disciplinary in his sermon on Revelation 3:19. He warns that believers can quickly become lukewarm, lo |
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An Offensive Question! by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the call to be a disciple of Jesus, emphasizing the infinite wisdom, omnipotent power, universal authority, unbounded beneficence, and gentle disposition |
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Everlasting Love by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on God's everlasting love and how He draws us with loving kindness, even in times of affliction and hardship. It emphasizes the importance of trusting God's gui |
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Discipline - Personal Life by Hoseah Wu | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline in various aspects of life. He uses the example of musicians who must practice and give their all to perform wel |