Proverbs 8:26
Proverbs 8:26 in Multiple Translations
before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth.
While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
When he had not made the earth or the fields or the dust of the world.
when he hadn't made the earth and its fields or any of the earth's dust.
He had not yet made the earth, nor the open places, nor the height of the dust in the worlde.
While He had not made the earth, and out-places, And the top of the dusts of the world.
while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
He had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world.
I, wisdom, was born before Yahweh made the earth, before he made the fields and the soil on the earth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:26
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 8:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַד
לֹ֣א
עָ֭שָׂה
אֶ֣רֶץ
וְ/חוּצ֑וֹת
וְ֝/רֹ֗אשׁ
עָפְר֥וֹת
תֵּבֵֽל
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עָ֭שָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
וְ/חוּצ֑וֹת
chûwts
H2351
outside
Conj | N-mp
וְ֝/רֹ֗אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Conj | N-ms
עָפְר֥וֹת
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
N-mp
תֵּבֵֽל
têbêl
H8398
world
N-fs
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 8:26
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָ֭שָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/חוּצ֑וֹת
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Conj | N-mp
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
וְ֝/רֹ֗אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
עָפְר֥וֹת
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
N-mp
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
תֵּבֵֽל
têbêl
H8398
"world"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for world, it refers to the earth and its inhabitants. In the Bible, it's used to describe the world God created, like in Psalm 24, which says the earth belongs to God.
Definition: world
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: habitable part, world. See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 97:4; Psalms 9:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 8:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 8:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:26
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:26
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 8:26
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
24When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water.
25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth,
26before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth.
27I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, 28when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 1:1–31 | In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness He called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters, to separate the waters from the waters.” So God made the expanse and separated the waters beneath it from the waters above. And it was so. God called the expanse “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered into one place, so that the dry land may appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land “earth,” and the gathering of waters He called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth vegetation: seed-bearing plants and fruit trees, each bearing fruit with seed according to its kind.” And it was so. The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day. And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to distinguish between the day and the night, and let them be signs to mark the seasons and days and years. And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. And He made the stars as well. God set these lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth, to preside over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day. And God said, “Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.” So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed according to their kinds, and every bird of flight after its kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters of the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day. And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, land crawlers, and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that crawls upon the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.” Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food. And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. |
Proverbs 8:26 Summary
This verse means that God's wisdom was present before He created the earth and everything in it, including the land, fields, and even the tiny particles of dust. It's like saying that God had a perfect plan and understanding before He started making anything, as seen in Genesis 1:1 and Psalm 104:24. This helps us understand that God is all-knowing and all-wise, and we can trust in His good plan for our lives, just like it says in Jeremiah 29:11. By recognizing God's wisdom, we can have confidence in His love and care for us, and seek to follow His wisdom in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that wisdom was brought forth before the land or fields were made?
This verse highlights the eternal nature of wisdom, emphasizing that it existed before God created the physical world, as seen in Proverbs 8:22-31 and supported by Psalm 104:24, which declares God's wisdom in creation.
How does this verse relate to the creation account in Genesis?
The description of creation in Proverbs 8:26 parallels the account in Genesis 1:1, where God creates the heavens and the earth, demonstrating the harmony between wisdom and creation as described in Psalm 19:1-6.
What is the significance of 'the dust of the earth' in this verse?
The phrase 'the dust of the earth' symbolizes the basic elements of the earth, emphasizing that wisdom was present even before the fundamental components of the world were formed, as seen in Genesis 2:7 and Ecclesiastes 3:20.
How does this verse impact our understanding of God's nature?
This verse reveals God's character as a wise and intentional Creator, who brought forth wisdom before creating the world, reflecting His divine plan and purpose, as expressed in Isaiah 14:24 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to acknowledge God's wisdom as the foundation of all creation?
- How can I apply the eternal nature of wisdom to my own life and decisions, considering Proverbs 9:10?
- In what ways can I recognize and reverence God's wisdom in the world around me, as described in Romans 1:20?
- How does understanding God's wisdom before creation impact my trust in His sovereignty and plan for my life, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11?
- What role should the pursuit of wisdom play in my daily life, in light of Proverbs 4:7?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:26
While as yet he had not made the earth,.... That is, the Lord, who possessed Wisdom, or Christ, and by whom he was set up; he as yet had not made the earth, when this was done; this shows that the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:26
While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:26
The earth, i.e. the dry land, called earth after it was separated from the waters, . The fields; the plain and open parts of the earth, distinguished from the mountains and hills, and the valleys enclosed between them. The highest part; or, the first part, or beginning; or, the best part, Heb. the head; that which exceeds other parts in riches or fruitfulness; which he seems to distinguish from the common fields. Of the dust of the world; of this lower part of the world, which consisteth of dust.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:26
Proverbs 8:26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.Ver. 26. Nor the fields, nor the highest.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:26
(26) The earth.—i.e., the cultivated and enclosed part of it. The fields.—The open country. The highest part of the dust of the world. Literally, “the head of the dusts of the fertile earth” i.e. the heaps of the clods of arable land, or better perhaps, “the sum of the atoms of dust.” Some refer to Genesis 2:7, and interpret the words of man, as formed out of the dust.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:26
Verse 26. The highest part of the dust of the world] ראש עפרות תבל rosh aphroth tebel, "the first particle of matter." The prima materia, the primitive atom. All these verses (Proverbs 8:3-29) are a periphrasis for I existed before creation; consequently before time was. I dwelt in God as a principle which might be communicated in its influences to intellectual beings when formed.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:26
26. highest part] Rather, beginning; R.V. text (“or sum,” marg.); i.e. the primary elements out of which other things were subsequently formed. Comp. “all his work which God created and made,” Genesis 2:3. The idea that man is intended as the “chief part of the dust of the earth,” out of which he was formed, has little to commend it. dust] Lit. dusts (plural), i.e. particles, or clods, of earth. Comp. dusts of gold, Job 28:6, where R.V. marg. suggests lumps.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:26
The highest part of the dust of the world - literally, “the head of the dusts of the world;” an image of either: (1) the dry land, habitable, fit for cultivation, as contrasted with the waters of the
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:26
26. The fields — ηεφεϊ, (hhutsoth,) the exterior surface, or ostensible part.
Sermons on Proverbs 8:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"In the Beginning God created..." by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching the word of God to a colony of people who were not living for the purpose of God. He describes how the power of the w |
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(Basics) 1. the Origin of Evil by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that human reasoning cannot fully comprehend the nature of God. Just as a dog cannot understand a human being without being taught, we cannot |
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"Hebrews" Monday - Part 1 (Keswick Convention 2003) by Charles Price | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the use of drama and personal experiences in conveying God's message. He then introduces the letter to the Hebrews and emphasizes t |
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(Revelation) 07 the Fall of Babylon and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb by David Pawson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the climax of world history and the great Denouement. He highlights the tragic fact that despite repeated opportunities, the world still refus |
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When the Holy Spirit Departs by David Wilkerson | In the video, the preacher repeatedly emphasizes the message of "Get out." This phrase is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the message. The preach |
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Genesis #02 Ch. 1:2 Creation or Re-Creation by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Mitzvah discusses Genesis chapter 1, verses 2 and 3. He mentions that in the previous study, they covered various topics including biblical background and Ein |
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Becoming Mature in God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, Reverend Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of going beyond simply reading the Bible and becoming Bible auditors. He encourages the audience to seek the Lo |