Proverbs 3:2
Proverbs 3:2 in Multiple Translations
for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.
For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
For length of days, and years of life, And peace, will they add to thee.
For they will give you increase of days, years of life, and peace.
Then you will live a long time, and have a full life.
For they shall increase the length of thy dayes and the yeeres of life, and thy prosperitie.
For length of days and years, Life and peace they do add to thee.
for they will add to you length of days, years of life, and peace.
For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
For they shall add to thee length of days, and years of life and peace.
because if you obey them you will live a long time and things will go well for you
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:2
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 3:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
אֹ֣רֶךְ
יָ֭מִים
וּ/שְׁנ֣וֹת
חַיִּ֑ים
וְ֝/שָׁל֗וֹם
יוֹסִ֥יפוּ
לָֽ/ךְ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֹ֣רֶךְ
ʼôrek
H753
length
N-ms
יָ֭מִים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
וּ/שְׁנ֣וֹת
shâneh
H8141
year
Conj | N-fp
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
וְ֝/שָׁל֗וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Conj | N-ms
יוֹסִ֥יפוּ
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
לָֽ/ךְ
Prep | 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 3:2
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.
אֹ֣רֶךְ
ʼôrek
H753
"length"
N-ms
Length can refer to physical distance or a long period of time, and also to patience and self-restraint, like waiting forever for something to happen.
Definition: 1) length 1a) physical length 1b) of time 2) forbearance, self-restraint (of patience)
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] forever, length, long. See also: Genesis 6:15; Psalms 93:5; Psalms 21:5.
יָ֭מִים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וּ/שְׁנ֣וֹת
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Conj | N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וְ֝/שָׁל֗וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
יוֹסִ֥יפוּ
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
לָֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:2
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:2
Context — Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart
1My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
2for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.
3Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 6:1–3 | Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 4:10 | Listen, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be many. |
| 3 | Psalms 91:16 | With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 9:11 | For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. |
| 5 | Psalms 128:6 | that you may see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel! |
| 6 | Romans 15:13 | Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. |
| 7 | Psalms 21:4 | He asked You for life, and You granted it— length of days, forever and ever. |
| 8 | Psalms 119:165 | Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing can make them stumble. |
| 9 | Proverbs 10:27 | The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short. |
| 10 | Job 5:26 | You will come to the grave in full vigor, like a sheaf of grain gathered in season. |
Proverbs 3:2 Summary
[Proverbs 3:2 tells us that when we follow God's commandments, He will give us a long and peaceful life. This means that when we obey God's rules and live according to His Word, He will bless us with many years of life and fill our hearts with peace, as promised in Psalms 37:37. By trusting and obeying God, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life that pleases Him, as seen in John 10:10. As we prioritize our relationship with God and live according to His Word, we can trust that He will add length to our days and peace to our life.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to add length to our days?
According to Proverbs 3:2, when we follow God's commandments, He adds length to our days, which means He gives us a long and fulfilling life, as also promised in Psalms 91:16 and Deuteronomy 5:33.
How does keeping God's commandments bring peace to our life?
Keeping God's commandments brings peace to our life because it allows us to live in harmony with God and with others, as taught in Matthew 22:37-40 and Romans 8:6, resulting in a sense of inner peace and contentment.
Is this promise of long life and peace only for Old Testament believers?
No, this promise is still applicable to New Testament believers, as seen in 1 Timothy 4:8, where it says that godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
How can we apply Proverbs 3:2 in our daily lives?
We can apply Proverbs 3:2 by prioritizing our relationship with God, studying His Word, and obeying His commandments, as encouraged in Joshua 1:8 and James 1:22-25, which will lead to a life of wisdom, peace, and fulfillment.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can prioritize keeping God's commandments in my daily life, and how can I trust Him to add length to my days and peace to my life?
- How does my current lifestyle and priorities reflect my desire for a long and peaceful life, and what changes can I make to align with God's will?
- In what ways have I experienced God's peace in my life when I have obeyed His commandments, and how can I share this with others?
- What are some commandments or teachings from God's Word that I have been neglecting, and how can I start applying them to my life to experience the promise of Proverbs 3:2?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:2
For length of days, and long life,.... Or, "years of life", or "lives" (f); a long life of usefulness and comfort here, and eternal life hereafter: the law of Moses promised a long life to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:2
For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:2
God will add these blessings which he hath promised to the obedient, 30:20 .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:2
Proverbs 3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.Ver. 2. For length of days.] A sweet mercy, and generally desired. Short life is reckoned as a curse, yet in some cases it is a blessing. Wκυμοροιοιθεοφιλεις - God taketh away his from the evil to come, as, when there is a fire in a house or town, men carry out their jewels; but then God makes them up in his cabinet. "They do enter into peace"; their souls go to heaven; "they rest in their beds"; their bodies rest sweetly and safely in the grave till the resurrection of the just. And is not this far better than the longest life here? Length of days may prove a curse, when it brings shame, sorrow, &c., as it did to Cain, Ham, &c. And peace shall they add to thee.] Without which to live is nothing else but to lie dying. Rebecca, for want of this, was weary of her life; so was Elijah when he sat under the juniper tree. "All the days of the afflicted are evil." Sυνοικουσι, ουσυμβιουσι; they dwell together; they do not live together, said Themistocles of married folk that agree not.
Non ille diu vixit, sed diu fuit, said Seneca of one. And again, Non multum navigavit, sed multum iactatus est; He was tossed much up and down, but sailed not far, as being driven about by contrary winds. Shall they add to thee.] Multiplicem pacem significat, saith one. "Peace, peace," as in Isaiah 26:3; that is, a multiplied peace; with God, with one’ s self, with others; or a renewed continued peace, today, tomorrow, and every day; or a perfect, sheer, pure peace. Oνφιλειφεος, θνησκεινεος. - Dion. Prus. Orat. 28.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:2
III.(d) Fourth Discourse:—Exhortation to Various Virtues (Pro iii 1-18). (2) Long life.—That is, a life worth living, fit to be called “life”; whereas” length of days” only implies extension of life, the reward promised for obedience to parents.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:2
Verse 2. For length of days] THREE eminent blessings are promised here: 1. ארך ימים orech yamim, long days; 2. שנות חיים shenoth chaiyim, years of lives; 3. שלום shalom, prosperity; i.e. health, long life, and abundance.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:2
2. long life] Rather, with A.V. marg. and R.V. text, years of life. There is perhaps a climax; not only length of days, prolonged existence, but years of life truly so-called, life worth living. The distinction is at least suggested by the use of βίος in the first clause and ζωή in the second by the LXX. μῆκοςβίου, ἔτηζωῆς: not alone vita quam vivimus, but vita quβ vivimus. peace] This word, meaning literally wholeness, completeness, contains implicitly and is gradually developed into its full Biblical sense: “the greatest blessing, even peace, a blessing which no man is able to afford,” Philo quoted by Bp Westcott on St John 14:17. Comp. Philippians 4:7.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:2
Three words carry on the chain of blessings: (1) “Length of days” (see the Psalms 91:16 note); (2) “Years of life,” i.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:2
2. Length of days — Piety and morality tend to longevity and prosperity. Some suppose that the verb is used impersonally — shall be added.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Christ's Legacy of Peace by Bob Jennings | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly believing and trusting in God in order to experience peace. He shares a personal anecdote about his wife reminding h |
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教子有方（上）- Training Children by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that is different from the world by following Jesus Christ. He shares personal anecdotes about his family, h |
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Obedience - the Pathway to Blessing by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and living by the Word of God. He highlights the need for individuals and families to recognize their own shortcomi |
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Responsibility by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of character and example in teaching and training children. He highlights the need for parents to not only teach their childre |
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Family Series Part 1 (Adolescence and Obedience) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living in obedience to God and following His word. He highlights the tendency for people to prioritize trivial matters ove |
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Costly Submission by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of rendering honor, obedience, and gratitude to fathers and those in positions of authority. He acknowledges that human nature |
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Family Series Part 3 (Responsibility, the Duty of Fathers) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of character and example in parenting. He highlights the significance of teaching children God's commandments and living them |