Proverbs 8:31
Proverbs 8:31 in Multiple Translations
I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men.
Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men.
Playing in his earth; and my delight was with the sons of men.
I was so happy in the world he created, celebrating together with human beings.
And tooke my solace in the compasse of his earth: and my delite is with the children of men.
Rejoicing in the habitable part of His earth, And my delights [are] with the sons of men.
rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.
Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
Playing in the world: and my delights were to be with the children of men.
I was delighted with the world that he created; I was happy with the people whom he created, too.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:31
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 8:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְ֭שַׂחֶקֶת
בְּ/תֵבֵ֣ל
אַרְצ֑/וֹ
וְ֝/שַׁעֲשֻׁעַ֗/י
אֶת
בְּנֵ֥י
אָדָֽם
מְ֭שַׂחֶקֶת
sâchaq
H7832
to laugh
V-Piel
בְּ/תֵבֵ֣ל
têbêl
H8398
world
Prep | N-fs
אַרְצ֑/וֹ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
וְ֝/שַׁעֲשֻׁעַ֗/י
shaʻshuaʻ
H8191
delight
Conj | N-mp | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 8:31
מְ֭שַׂחֶקֶת
sâchaq
H7832
"to laugh"
V-Piel
This Hebrew word means to laugh, often in contempt or derision, as seen in Genesis 21:9 when Ishmael mocks Isaac. It can also mean to play or make sport, like in Psalm 104:26 where God plays with the whale. In the Bible, it appears over 50 times, including in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) to laugh, play, mock 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to laugh (usually in contempt or derision) 1a2) to sport, play 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make sport 1b2) to jest 1b3) to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing) 1c) (Hiphil) to laugh mockingly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport. See also: Judges 16:25; Psalms 2:4; Psalms 37:13.
בְּ/תֵבֵ֣ל
têbêl
H8398
"world"
Prep | 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.
אַרְצ֑/וֹ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
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.
וְ֝/שַׁעֲשֻׁעַ֗/י
shaʻshuaʻ
H8191
"delight"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
Shaashua means delight or enjoyment, referring to something that brings pleasure or joy. It is used in the Bible to describe a positive and uplifting experience or object of delight.
Definition: 1) delight, enjoyment 1a) delight 1b) object of delight
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: delight, pleasure. See also: Psalms 119:24; Psalms 119:174; Psalms 119:77.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 8:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 8:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:31
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:31
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:31
- Sermons on Proverbs 8:31
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
29when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth.
30Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence.
31I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men.
32Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. 33Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 16:3 | As for the saints in the land, they are the excellence in whom all my delight resides. |
| 2 | John 13:1 | It was now just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end. |
| 3 | Psalms 40:6–8 | Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require. Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll: I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 8:9 | For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. |
| 5 | John 4:34 | Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. |
Proverbs 8:31 Summary
This verse tells us that Wisdom, who is a personification of God's character, is overjoyed with God's creation and delighted in humanity. It's like Wisdom is saying, 'I love the world God made, and I especially love the people in it!' (see Genesis 1:27). This reminds us that God takes great pleasure in His creation and in us, and we can bring Him joy by living wisely and lovingly, as seen in Matthew 25:40. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can live in a way that brings delight to God's heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Wisdom to be rejoicing in God's whole world?
This phrase suggests that Wisdom, personified in Proverbs 8, takes great delight in the entirety of God's creation, as seen in Psalm 104:31, where God rejoices in His works.
Why is Wisdom delighting in the sons of men?
Wisdom delights in humanity because we are made in the image of God, as stated in Genesis 1:27, and have the capacity to know and love Him, as seen in Jeremiah 9:23-24.
How does this verse relate to our understanding of God's nature?
This verse highlights God's joy and delight in His creation, as seen also in Zephaniah 3:17, where He rejoices over us with singing, showcasing His loving and personal nature.
What does it mean for us to be objects of Wisdom's delight?
As objects of Wisdom's delight, we are called to live in a way that honors God and reflects His wisdom, as stated in Colossians 4:5-6, using our words and actions to bring joy to His heart.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of delight and joy in God's creation, just like Wisdom in this verse?
- How can I reflect God's image and bring delight to His heart through my thoughts, words, and actions?
- In what ways can I partner with Wisdom to bring joy and blessing to those around me?
- What are some things in God's world that bring me joy and delight, and how can I use those things to worship and honor Him?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:31
Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth,.... In that part of the earth which is habitable; in filling it with inhabitants; in preserving and sustaining it in being, and the inhabitants of it; in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:31
Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. Rejoicing is the habitable part of his earth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:31
Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; in contemplating the wonderful wisdom and goodness of God in the making and ordering of all his creatures, and of man especially. My delights were with the sons of men, to uphold them by my power and providence, to reveal myself and my Father’ s mind and will to them from age to age, to assume their nature, and to redeem and save them, which I would not do for the fallen angels.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:31
Proverbs 8:31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights [were] with the sons of men.Ver. 31. Rejoicing in the habitable part.] That is, In the human nature, wherein the fulness of the Godhead dwelt bodily, by means of the hypostatical union. Or, In the saints, whose hearts the Lord Christ inhabiteth by faith. Or, In the work of creation, which Christ did without either tools or tool.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:31
(31) Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth.—Rather, the fertile part. (Comp. Genesis 1:31, where the satisfaction of God with His creation is described; and Psalms 104:31.) My delights were with the sons of men.—Or rather, in them. (Comp. Genesis 3:8, where it would seem that the “Lord God” had been in the habit of assuming human form, and admitting man to His presence.) Such appearances as this, and that to Abraham in Genesis 18, and to Joshua in Joshua 5, were supposed by the Fathers to have been anticipations of the Incarnation of God the Son, who is here described under the name of Wisdom.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:31
Verse 31. Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth] There God displays especially his wisdom in ordering and directing human beings, and in providing for their wants. The wisdom of God is in an especial manner manifested in his providence. My delights were with the sons of men.] This Divine wisdom, as it delighted in the creation of man, so it continues to delight in his instruction. Hence it is represented as offering its lessons of instruction continually, and using every means and opportunity to call men from folly and vice to sound knowledge, holiness, and happiness. It is to man that God especially gives wisdom; and he has it in the form of reason beyond all other creatures; therefore it is said, "My delights are with the sons of men;" to them I open my choicest treasures. They alone are capable of sapience, intelligence, and discursive reason.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:31
31. the habitable part of his earth] Rather, his habitable earth, R.V., lit. the habitable world of his earth. See Job 37:12, where the same Heb. expression is rendered, the habitable world, R.V. The thought is that Wisdom, who found glad exercise in every part and stage of creation as it advanced, had her consummated joy in the adaptation of the completed whole to be the dwelling-place of man, and in the “sons of men,” for love of whom she had created it. Comp. Genesis 1:31.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:31
Wisdom rejoices yet more in the world as inhabited by God’s rational creatures. (compare Isaiah 45:18). Giving joy and delight to God, she finds her delight among the sons of men.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:31
31. Rejoicing, etc. — We translate: “Sporting in the world, his earth, and my (especial) delight is (with) the sons of Adam.” Patrick’s paraphrase makes a link of good thought between this verse and
Sermons on Proverbs 8:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Of the Joy of God. by John Gill | John Gill explores the concept of God's joy, emphasizing that while joy is attributed to God in scripture, it should not be viewed as a human passion but rather as a divine delight |
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God's Inheritance by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink expounds on the profound truth that God's inheritance is found in His people, emphasizing that God chose not the world or angels, but humanity as His special treasure. He |
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Christ's Joy in the Church Before His Incarnation. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the eternal Word, identified as the divine nature of Christ, expressing joy in the habitable parts of the earth and delight in the sons of men, reveali |
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The Divine Guest by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the profound moment when God visited Abraham in the plains of Mamre, emphasizing the significance of divine hospitality and the importance of recognizing God |
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Gospel of Luke Ii by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, Robert Stephen Kahl discusses the different aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He explains that the gospel according to Matthew presents Christ as the King, emp |
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Life of Wililam Jay by Ian Murray | In this sermon transcript, the speaker emphasizes the importance of structuring sermons with clear divisions to aid in the retention and understanding of the message. He argues tha |
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Studies in Psalm 16:-07 by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spreading the Gospel and not just hearing it repeatedly. He urges Christians to be proactive in sharing the message of God |