Proverbs 3:3
Proverbs 3:3 in Multiple Translations
Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
Let not kindness and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart:
Let not mercy and good faith go from you; let them be hanging round your neck, recorded on your heart;
Hold on to kindness and truth. Tie them around your neck; write them in your mind.
Let not mercie and trueth forsake thee: binde them on thy necke, and write them vpon the table of thine heart.
Let not kindness and truth forsake thee, Bind them on thy neck, Write them on the tablet of thy heart,
Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thy heart:
Let not mercy and truth leave thee, put them about thy neck, and write them in the tables of thy heart:
Always faithfully love others and ◄be faithful/do what you say that you will do►; doing those things will cause others to be pleased with you; it will be as though you are wearing a beautiful necklace. Keep those things in your mind/inner being.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:3
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 3:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חֶ֥סֶד
וֶ/אֱמֶ֗ת
אַֽל
יַעַ֫זְבֻ֥/ךָ
קָשְׁרֵ֥/ם
עַל
גַּרְגְּרוֹתֶ֑י/ךָ
כָּ֝תְבֵ֗/ם
עַל
ל֥וּחַ
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
חֶ֥סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms
וֶ/אֱמֶ֗ת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
Conj | N-fs
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
יַעַ֫זְבֻ֥/ךָ
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal-Juss-3mp | Suff
קָשְׁרֵ֥/ם
qâshar
H7194
to conspire
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גַּרְגְּרוֹתֶ֑י/ךָ
gargᵉrôwth
H1621
neck
N-fp | Suff
כָּ֝תְבֵ֗/ם
kâthab
H3789
to write
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
ל֥וּחַ
lûwach
H3871
tablet
N-ms
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | 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 3:3
חֶ֥סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וֶ/אֱמֶ֗ת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יַעַ֫זְבֻ֥/ךָ
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal-Juss-3mp | Suff
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
קָשְׁרֵ֥/ם
qâshar
H7194
"to conspire"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this verb means to tie or bind something, like when God bound Isaac in Genesis 22:9. It can also mean to conspire or make an alliance, as in 2 Samuel 15:31. The KJV translates it as bind or conspire.
Definition: 1) to bind, tie, bind together, league together, conspire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, confine 1a2) to league together, conspire 1b) (Niphal) to be bound, be bound up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to bind on 1c2) to bind fast 1c3) to bind, tie 1c4) to bind to oneself 1d) (Pual) robust, vigorous (participle) 1e) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work (treason). See also: Genesis 30:41; 2 Kings 15:25; Proverbs 3:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
גַּרְגְּרוֹתֶ֑י/ךָ
gargᵉrôwth
H1621
"neck"
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.
כָּ֝תְבֵ֗/ם
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
ל֥וּחַ
lûwach
H3871
"tablet"
N-ms
This word refers to a polished tablet, possibly made of stone, wood, or metal. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tablets of stone given to Moses, and is translated as board, plate, or table in the KJV.
Definition: 1) board, slab, tablet, plank 1a) tablets (of stone) 1b) boards (of wood) 1c) plate (of metal)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: board, plate, table. See also: Exodus 24:12; Deuteronomy 9:15; Proverbs 3:3.
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:3
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. 5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 7:3 | Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 3:3 | It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. |
| 3 | Hebrews 10:16 | “This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts and inscribe them on their minds.” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 11:18–21 | Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates, so that as long as the heavens are above the earth, your days and those of your children may be multiplied in the land that the LORD swore to give your fathers. |
| 5 | Proverbs 6:21 | Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck. |
| 6 | Malachi 2:6 | True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. |
| 7 | Ephesians 5:1–2 | Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. |
| 8 | Proverbs 1:9 | For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck. |
| 9 | Proverbs 16:6 | By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil. |
| 10 | Ephesians 5:9 | for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. |
Proverbs 3:3 Summary
This verse reminds us to always remember and show love and loyalty to God, and to make His teachings a part of who we are. We can do this by obeying His commands and keeping them close to our hearts, like wearing a special badge or writing them down in a special book. By doing so, we will experience peace and blessings in our lives, as promised in Proverbs 3:1-2. Just like we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our hearts in Proverbs 3:5, we can show our love and devotion to Him by following His teachings and making them a central part of our daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'loving devotion' mean in this verse?
Loving devotion refers to a deep and abiding love for God, demonstrated by our actions and obedience to His commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37-38.
Why is it important to 'bind them around your neck'?
Binding loving devotion and faithfulness around your neck symbolizes making them a visible and integral part of your daily life, much like wearing a badge of honor, as described in Proverbs 6:21.
What does it mean to 'write them on the tablet of your heart'?
Writing on the tablet of your heart means to internalize and memorize God's teachings, allowing them to guide your thoughts, emotions, and actions, as encouraged in Psalms 119:11 and Jeremiah 31:33.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse reminds us to prioritize our relationship with God and make His commands a central part of our daily lives, which will bring us peace, favor, and blessings, as promised in Proverbs 3:1-2 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate loving devotion to God in my daily life?
- How can I ensure that faithfulness is a core value in my relationships and decision-making?
- What are some practical steps I can take to 'write God's commands on the tablet of my heart'?
- In what ways can I 'bind loving devotion and faithfulness around my neck' as a visible reminder of my commitment to God?
- How does this verse challenge or encourage me to re-evaluate my priorities and values?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:3
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee,.... Or, forsake not them, and the exercise of them; show "mercy" to fellow creatures, to sinful men, to the bodies of men, by relieving their wants; and to their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:3
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:3
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: either, 1. God’ s mercy and truth. So it is a promise, God’ s mercy and truth shall not forsake thee. Or rather, 2. That mercy and truth which is man’ s duty. So it is a precept; which seems most probable, both from the form of the Hebrew phrase, and from the following words of this verse, which are plainly preceptive, and from the promise annexed to the performance of this precept in the next verse. Mercy and truth are frequently joined together, as they are in God, as 57:3, &c., or in men, as 20:28 , and here. Mercy notes all that benignity, clemency, charity, and readiness to do good freely to others; truth or faithfulness respects all those duties which we owe to God or man, to which we have special obligation from the rules of justice. Bind them about thy neck, like a chain, wherewith persons adorn their necks, as it is expressed, ; which is fastened there, and not easily lost, which also is continually in one’ s view. Upon the table of thine heart: either, 1.
Upon those tablets which the Jews are said to have worn upon their breasts, which are always in sight. So he alludes to . Or, 2. In thy mind and heart, in which all God commands are to be received and engraven, as is oft required in this book, and every where. So the table of the heart seems to be opposed to the tables of stone in which God’ s law was written, as it is .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:3
Proverbs 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:Ver. 3. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee,] That is, True mercy; not that which is natural or moral only, but that which is right, both quoad fontem, and quoad finem. They that do otherwise, as heathens and hypocrites, lay up their treasure in the eyes and ears of men, which is a chest that hath neither lock nor key to keep it. Bind them.] That is, My commandments. He seems to allude to Deuteronomy 6:8.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:3
(3) Mercy.—Or rather, love, shown by God to man (Exodus 34:7), by man to God (Jeremiah 2:2), and to his fellow man (Genesis 21:23); “truth,” or rather, faithfulness, especially in keeping promises, is similarly used both of God (Psalms 30:10) and man (Isaiah 59:14). The two are often joined, as in this place. They are the two special attributes by which God is known in His dealings with men (Exodus 34:6-7), and as such must be imitated by man (Matthew 5:48). Bind them about thy neck . . .—These directions resemble the figurative orders with regard to the keeping of the Law in Exodus 13:9 and Deuteronomy 6:8, the literal interpretation of which led to the use of prayer-fillets and phylacteries among the Jews. Certain texts of Scripture were copied out, enclosed in a leather case, and tied at the time of prayer on the left arm and forehead. Table.—Rather, tablet (Luke 1:63; comp. Jeremiah 31:33).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:3
Verse 3. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee] Let these be thy constant companions through life. Bind them about thy neck] Keep them constantly in view. Write them upon the table of thine heart - let them be thy moving principles; feel them as well as see them.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:3
3. mercy and truth] The phrase is often used to represent the character of Almighty God as exhibited in His dealings with men (Genesis 24:17; Genesis 32:11; Exodus 34:6; Psalms 25:10). Hence it comes to represent the perfection of moral character in man (Proverbs 16:6, Proverbs 20:28). bind them … write them] Cultivate alike their outward exhibition “about thy neck,” and their inward possession upon the table of thine heart. Let them be in thee at once attractive and genuine. (Comp. Proverbs 7:3; 2 Corinthians 3:2-3; 1 Peter 3:3-4).
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:3
The two elements of a morally perfect character: (1) “Mercy,” shutting out all forms of selfishness and hate. (2) “Truth,” shutting out all deliberate falsehood, all hypocrisy, conscious or unconscious.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:3
3. Let not mercy and truth — The kindness, love, and faithfulness, to which I have exhorted. Forsake thee — Depart from thee. Cherish them, cultivate them, make them a part of thy character, maintain and exhibit them always.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Proverbs) ch.1 & 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in guarding and guiding young people. He highlights three areas of concern: obedience to parents, |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 14 - the Escaped Remnant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the word of God and keeping His commandments to avoid destruction. He encourages the listeners to acquire |
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A History of the Life and Actions of the Very Reverend Dr. Martin Luther - Part 1 by Philip Melancthon | Philip Melancthon recounts the life and actions of the very reverend Dr. Martin Luther, highlighting his upbringing, education, entry into monastic life, and his pivotal role in th |
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Homily 24 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:14-17, emphasizing the importance of being equipped with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, |
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On Pleasing All Men by John Wesley | John Wesley emphasizes the Christian duty to please our neighbors for their good and edification, as stated in Romans 15:2. He acknowledges that while it is impossible to please ev |
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Once She Has Been Constituted by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance for an Abbess to remember the weight of her responsibility and to prioritize serving her sisters over ruling them. She is encourage |
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Regeneration and True Christian Unity by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of being lost on a mountain controlled by terrorists. They prayed for direction and heard a bell and a little boy's voice leadin |