Proverbs 7:4
Proverbs 7:4 in Multiple Translations
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman,
Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:
Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; And call understanding thy kinswoman:
Say to wisdom, You are my sister; let knowledge be named your special friend:
Tell wisdom, “You're my sister,” and call insight your best friend.
Say vnto wisedome, Thou art my sister: and call vnderstanding thy kinswoman,
Say to wisdom, 'My sister Thou [art].' And cry to understanding, 'Kinswoman!'
Tell wisdom, “You are my sister.” Call understanding your relative,
Say to wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:
Say to wisdom: Thou art my sister: and call prudence thy friend,
Love wisdom like you love your sister. Understand what is wise, and let that be as dear to you as members of your family.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 7:4
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 7:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱמֹ֣ר
לַֽ֭/חָכְמָה
אֲחֹ֣תִ/י
אָ֑תְּ
וּ֝/מֹדָ֗ע
לַ/בִּינָ֥ה
תִקְרָֽא
אֱמֹ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לַֽ֭/חָכְמָה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
Prep | N-fs
אֲחֹ֣תִ/י
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs | Suff
אָ֑תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וּ֝/מֹדָ֗ע
môwdaʻ
H4129
kinsman
Conj | N-ms
לַ/בִּינָ֥ה
bîynâh
H998
understanding
Prep | N-fs
תִקְרָֽא
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 7:4
אֱמֹ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לַֽ֭/חָכְמָה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
Prep | N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
אֲחֹ֣תִ/י
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
אָ֑תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וּ֝/מֹדָ֗ע
môwdaʻ
H4129
"kinsman"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a kinsman or relative, someone closely related by blood or marriage. In the Bible, it appears in stories like Ruth and Boaz, where family ties are important. The KJV translates it as 'kinswoman'.
Definition: kinsman, relative
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: kinswoman. See also: Ruth 2:1; Proverbs 7:4.
לַ/בִּינָ֥ה
bîynâh
H998
"understanding"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means understanding or discernment, like having wisdom or knowledge. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms, guiding people to make good decisions.
Definition: 1) understanding, discernment 1a) act 1b) faculty 1c) object 1d) personified Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, meaning, [idiom] perfectly, understanding, wisdom. See also: Deuteronomy 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 1:2.
תִקְרָֽא
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
Study Notes — Proverbs 7:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 7:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 7:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 7:4
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 7:4
Context — Warnings about the Adulteress
2Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
3Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman,
5that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words. 6For at the window of my house I looked through the lattice.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 4:6–8 | Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you. |
| 2 | Proverbs 2:2–4 | if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, |
| 3 | Song of Solomon 8:1 | O that you were to me like a brother who nursed at my mother’s breasts! If I found you outdoors, I would kiss you, and no one would despise me. |
| 4 | Job 17:14 | and say to corruption, ‘You are my father,’ and to the worm, ‘My mother,’ or ‘My sister,’ |
| 5 | Luke 11:27–28 | As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and blessed are the breasts that nursed You!” But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” |
| 6 | Matthew 12:49–50 | Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” |
Proverbs 7:4 Summary
[This verse means that we should have a close and personal relationship with wisdom and understanding, treating them like a sister and a family member. By doing so, we can make wise decisions and navigate life's challenges with confidence, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. We can apply this to our everyday lives by seeking God's wisdom and trusting in His sovereignty, as stated in Romans 8:28. By prioritizing wisdom and understanding, we can live a life that honors God and reflects His character, as encouraged in Colossians 3:2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to call wisdom my sister?
This means to have a close, intimate relationship with wisdom, much like the bond between siblings, as seen in Proverbs 7:4, and to seek her guidance in our daily lives, as encouraged in James 1:5.
Why is understanding called a kinsman in this verse?
Understanding is called a kinsman to emphasize the importance of having a deep, familial connection with it, allowing us to make wise decisions, as seen in Proverbs 7:4, and to trust in God's plan, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
By embracing wisdom and understanding as close relatives, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and trust in God's sovereignty, as stated in Romans 8:28.
What is the significance of personifying wisdom and understanding in this verse?
Personifying wisdom and understanding emphasizes their importance and encourages us to develop a personal relationship with them, as seen in Proverbs 7:4, and to seek God's wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:6.
Reflection Questions
- How can I cultivate a deeper relationship with wisdom and understanding in my own life?
- What are some ways I can 'call understanding my kinsman' in my daily decisions and interactions?
- How does personifying wisdom and understanding help me to better understand their role in my life?
- In what ways can I prioritize wisdom and understanding, making them a central part of my thoughts and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:4
Say unto wisdom, Thou art [my] sister,.... Intimately acquainted, greatly beloved, and highly delighted in: this may be understood both of the Gospel, the wisdom of God in a mystery, which men should
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:4
Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: Say unto wisdom, Thou (art) my sister; and call understanding (thy) kinswoman. Associate wisdom most closely with thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 7:4
When other foolish young men seek wanton mistresses, whom they frequently call sisters or kinswomen, let wisdom be thy mistress; acquaint and delight thyself with her, and let her have the command of thy heart, and the conduct of thy life.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:4
Proverbs 7:4 Say unto wisdom, Thou [art] my sister; and call understanding [thy] kinswoman:Ver. 4. Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister,] q.d., If thou must needs have a lady to set thy love upon, let me commend a mistress to thee more amiable and affable than any that thou canst meet with, and that is heavenly wisdom. Say unto her, Thou art my sister, &c. Christ oft woos his spouse by this title, "My sister, my spouse." As the nearest affinity is spouse, so the nearest consanguinity is sister. There are all bonds to knit us to Christ, there shall be all to knit Christ to us, if we fall in with wisdom; this is to become akin to Christ. And that is the truest nobility where God himself is top of the kin, and religion the root, in regard whereof all the rest (riches, retinue, &c.) are but shadows and shapes of nobleness. Call understanding thy kinswoman,] i.e., Be thoroughly and familiarly acquainted with her. Surely as in nature he is accounted a singular idiot that knows not his own sisters or near kinsfolk, so in religion he is strangely simple and stupid that is not acquainted with the grounds of behaviour and comfort, as they are contained in the word.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 7:4
Verse 4. Thou art my sister] Thou art my dearest friend, and I will treat thee as such.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:4
4. kinswoman] Lit. known, i.e. acquaintance, or intimate friend, γνώριμος, LXX.; amica, Vulg. In the only two other places, however, in which the word occurs (Rth 2:1; Rth 3:2) it is used in the sense of kinsman. Comp. Job 17:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:4
4. My sister… kinswoman — Or familiar acquaintance; that is, respect, love, and cherish her. Cp. Job 17:14; Job 30:29; also, Psalms 55:13; Psalms 88:8.
Sermons on Proverbs 7:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Freedom From Anger and Sexual Lust by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and holiness in our lives by addressing the struggles with hidden sins like anger and sexual temptation. It highlights the n |
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Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 3 by Will Graham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true humility and repentance before God, contrasting it with a self-centered mentality and the danger of a mere 'mouth religion' without ge |
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(Through the Bible) Luke 11 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about a man who goes to his friend's house in the middle of the night to borrow some bread. The friend initially refuses to help, but even |
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Clean but Empty by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of people making superficial decisions for Christ without truly committing their lives to Him. He shares examples of large numbers o |
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Ministry From Proverbs 31 by William MacDonald | In this sermon transcript, the speaker expresses gratitude for mothers who believe in discipline and the impact it has on their children's lives. The speaker mentions a specific ex |
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Cult of Mary - Part One by Ian Paisley | Ian Paisley preaches about the contrast between the true Church of Jesus Christ, where Jesus has preeminence, and the Church of Rome, which exalts Mary above the Godhead. He highli |
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John 1:49-2:4 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom delves into the importance of understanding the depth of the Divine Scriptures through careful study and prayer. He contrasts the confessions of Peter and Nathanael |