Proverbs 4:6 — Word Study
WLCאַל־ תַּעַזְבֶ֥הָ וְתִשְׁמְרֶ֑ךָּ אֱהָבֶ֥הָ וְתִצְּרֶֽךָּ׃
BSADo notʼal [under no circumstances] forsake [wisdom]ʻâzab▸ [abandon, loosen] and she will preserve youshâmar▸ [keep safe, protect] love herʼâhab [have affection for, cherish] and she will guard younâtsar▸ [watch over, keep]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אַל־ | may not | Particle |
| תַּעַזְבֶ֥הָ | you abandon her | Verb qal jussive second person masculine singular, suffix |
| וְתִשְׁמְרֶ֑ךָּ | and she will keep you | Conjunction, verb qal third person feminine singular, suffix |
| אֱהָבֶ֥הָ | love her | Verb qal imperative second person masculine singular, suffix |
| וְתִצְּרֶֽךָּ׃ | and she will guard you | Conjunction, verb qal third person feminine singular, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. |
| KJV | Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. |
| ASV | Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; Love her, and she will keep thee. |
| YLT | Forsake her not, and she doth preserve thee, Love her, and she doth keep thee. |
| WEB | Don’t forsake her, and she will preserve you. Love her, and she will keep you. |
| BBE | Do not give her up, and she will keep you; give her your love, and she will make you safe. |
The translations agree on the core message of not forsaking wisdom.
The sentence consists of a main command followed by two consequence clauses, emphasizing the relationship between actions and their outcomes.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 4:6
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Exhortation to Seek Wisdomgenerated
Proverbs 4:6 is part of a larger discourse that encourages the pursuit of wisdom and understanding. The speaker emphasizes the necessity of valuing wisdom, which is personified as a woman who offers protection and guidance. This passage highlights the importance of maintaining a close relationship with wisdom to ensure one's safety and well-being.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 4:21–22 | Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. |
| 2 | Proverbs 2:10–12 | For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. |
| 3 | Ephesians 3:17 | so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, |
| 4 | 2 Thessalonians 2:10 | and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תַּעַזְבֶ֥הָ, ta.'az.Ve.hagenerated
The word עָזַב (azav) is a verb meaning to forsake or abandon. It suggests a relinquishing of something important, in this case, wisdom. The parsing shows that it is in the jussive form, indicating a command or wish against abandoning wisdom.
This command stresses the importance of holding onto wisdom, as abandoning it leads to negative consequences. The speaker warns that forsaking wisdom is not just a casual act but a significant decision that can impact one's life.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree on the core message of the verse, emphasizing the need to not forsake wisdom.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse is structured around two main verbs: תַּעַזְבֶ֥הָ (ta'az'veh, you abandon) and תִשְׁמְרֶ֑ךָּ (tish'm'reka, she will keep you). The first clause presents the prohibition against abandoning wisdom, while the second clause promises protection if wisdom is loved.
The conjunctions tie the clauses together, emphasizing the relationship between the actions of not forsaking wisdom and the resulting benefits of preservation and guarding.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word תַּעַזְבֶ֥הָ is rendered as αὐτήν, meaning 'her.' This choice maintains the personification of wisdom, suggesting a close relationship between the individual and wisdom.
The translation choice reflects a direct and personal engagement with wisdom, aligning with the Hebrew's emphasis on the importance of maintaining this relationship.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 4:6 advises not to forsake wisdom, promising that if you love her, she will protect and guard you. This verse emphasizes the importance of valuing wisdom in life.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Forsaking wisdom means to abandon or neglect it, which can lead to negative consequences in life.
Wisdom protects us by guiding our decisions and helping us avoid pitfalls that can lead to harm.
Loving wisdom signifies valuing and cherishing it, which is essential for receiving its benefits.
You can apply this verse by actively seeking wisdom in your decisions and nurturing a love for it in your daily life.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced the benefits of wisdom in my life?
- How can I ensure that I do not forsake wisdom in my daily decisions?
- What are some practical steps I can take to love and cherish wisdom?
- How can I encourage others to value wisdom in their lives?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss the value of wisdom and its protective nature, emphasizing the need for affection towards wisdom.
And what is meant by "exalt (fortify) her? "Surround her with holy thoughts; for you have need of large defence, since there are many things to imperil such a possession.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 4 →
Therefore, in both these and in many other places, you will find that the divine Scripture avoids the word “love” and inserted “charity” and “affection.” Nonetheless,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 4 →
Just as taste and sight are different perceptions so far as the body is concerned, so, in accordance with the divine perceptions mentioned by Solomon, the visual and contemplative power of the soul is one thing,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 4 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 4:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleForsake her not, and she shall preserve thee,.... That is, Wisdom, or Christ.
Read John Gill on Proverbs 4 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryForsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 4 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleLove her; he intimates that it is not enough to do what is good, which may sometimes proceed from worldly or sinful motives, but that we must have a sincere and fervent more and more unto the perfect day; just men do daily love to it.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 4 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 4:6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.Ver. 6. Forsake her not, &c.] Wisdom is her own reward. If she forsake us, it is because the desertion is first on our part. But she cannot but be "justified of her own true children." Falling stars were never but meteors; temporaries were never Christians indeed. What wonder though some hold falling from grace, since they mistake common grace for true grace? Hence Bellarmine saith, That which is true grace, veritate essentiae, only may be lost, not that that is true veritate firmae soliditatis: which latter being rightly understood, may be called special, as the other common grace. Love her, and…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 4 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 6. Forsake her not] Wisdom personified is here represented as a guardian and companion, who, if not forsaken, will continue faithful; if loved, will continue a protector.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 4 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and CollegesSeventh Address. Chap. Proverbs 4:1-9 Resuming, after the parenthesis (Proverbs 3:27-35) the style and tone of fatherly address of the preceding sections, the Teacher commends Wisdom to his scholars as his children, by the example of his own early education. Mr Horton happily remarks, “This chapter begins with a charming little piece of autobiography,” and quotes Wordsworth’s words, “Wisdom doth live with children round her knees.”
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 4 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible6. Keep thee — As a watchman; stand guard over thee.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 4 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you.
Don’t forsake her, and she will preserve you. Love her, and she will keep you.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will guard you.
Tyndale line
Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; Love her, and she will keep thee.
Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee; love her, and she shall keep thee.
Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
Forsake her not, and shee shall keepe thee: loue her and shee shall preserue thee.
Strictly literal
Forsake her not, and she shall keep thee; love her, and she shall preserve thee.
Forsake her not, and she doth preserve thee, Love her, and she doth keep thee.
Do not forsake her, and she preserves you, || Love her, and she keeps you.
Forsake her not, and she will watch over thee: love her, and she will keep thee.
do not abandon wisdom and she will watch over you; love her and she will keep you safe.
From the Latin
Forsake her not, and she shall keep thee: love her, and she shall preserve thee.
Simplified
Don't give up on wisdom for she will keep you safe. Love wisdom and she will protect you.
Do not give her up, and she will keep you; give her your love, and she will make you safe.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with all five words matched in the translation. This consistency indicates a shared understanding of the importance of wisdom across these texts.
אַל־ תַּעַזְבֶ֥הָ וְתִשְׁמְרֶ֑ךָּ אֱהָבֶ֥הָ וְתִצְּרֶֽךָּ׃
5 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 4:6
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.
אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
base
H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
408 'al al
a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified
negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,
nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing
(worth), rather than.
see HEBREW for 03808
אַל (al) — not.
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)
Part — ParticleHTn
עָזַב (azab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to leave, forsake, or let loose. It encompasses a range of actions from abandoning or neglecting to setting free. The entries suggest it can also imply restoration or repair, though this aspect is less emphasized. Notably, the term can describe both active and passive states, such as being forsaken or deserted.
עָזַב 213 vb. leave, forsake, loose
Qal
leave, c. acc.
leave, abandon, forsake
let loose, set free, let go
Niph.
be left to
be forsaken, of house of God
H5800a עָזַב leave, forsake, loose .. leave, c. acc.
. leave, abandon, forsake
. let loose, set free, let go
. . be left to
. be forsaken, of house of God
. (or Qal pass.) be deserted, of city
H5800b עָזַב restore, repair(?)
5800 `azab aw-zab'
a primitive root; to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit,
etc.:--commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave
(destitute, off), refuse, X surely.
עָזַב (a.zav) — to leave: forsake.
1) to leave, loose, forsake
1a) (Qal) to leave
1a1) to depart from, leave behind, leave, let alone
1a2) to leave, abandon, forsake, neglect, apostatise
1a3) to let loose, set free, let go, free
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be left to
1b2) to be forsaken
1c) (Pual) to be deserted
עָזַב (a.zav) — to restore.
1) to restore, repair
1a) (Qal) to repair
עָזַב (a.zav) — to leave: release.
1) to leave, loose, forsake
1a) (Qal) to leave
1a1) to depart from, leave behind, leave, let alone
1a2) to leave, abandon, forsake, neglect, apostatise
1a3) to let loose, set free, let go, free
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be left to
1b2) to be forsaken
1c) (Pual) to be deserted
עָזַב (a.zav) — Forsaken.
This name means to restore, repair
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
עָזַב (a.zav) — to leave: neglect.
V-Qal-Juss-2ms | Suff — Verb qal jussive second person masculine singular · suffixHVqj2ms/Sp3fs
The Hebrew word שָׁמַר (*shamar*) is a primitive root meaning to keep, guard, or observe. It encompasses a wide range of actions including protecting, waiting for, and celebrating obligations like the Sabbath. The verb appears in various forms, indicating nuances such as being on guard or refraining from certain actions. It is used extensively in the Old Testament, reflecting both physical and moral vigilance.
שָׁמַר 465 vb. keep, watch, preserve
Qal 425
keep, have charge of
keep, guard, captives
hence, watch for, wait for
watch, observe
keep, retain, of storing up (food)
keep within bounds, restrain
observe, celebrate
keep sabbath
of other obligations
observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom)
sts. י׳ subj.
keep, reserve, weeks of harvest
Niph.
36be on one's guard
keep oneself, refrain, abstain
be kept, guarded
Pi. those paying regard to false vanities
Hithp. I kept myself from
base
H8104 שָׁמַר keep, watch, preserve .. . keep, have charge of
. keep, guard, captives
. hence, watch for, wait for
. watch, observe
. . keep, retain, of storing up (food)
. keep within bounds, restrain
. . observe, celebrate
. keep sabbath
. of other obligations
. observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom)
. sts. י׳ subj.
. keep, reserve, weeks of harvest
. . be on one's guard
. keep oneself, refrain, abstain
. be kept, guarded
. those paying regard to false vanities
. I kept myself from
8104 shamar shaw-mar'
a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns),
i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:--beward,
be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark,
look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save
(self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man).
שָׁמַר (sha.mar) — to keep: obey.
: obey/observe
1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to keep, have charge of
1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
1a2a) watch, watchman (participle)
1a3) to watch for, wait for
1a4) to watch, observe
1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory)
1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain
1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow)
1a8) to keep, preserve, protect
1a9) to keep, reserve
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware
1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain
1b3) to be kept, be guarded
1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed
1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
שָׁמַר (sha.mar) — to keep: guard.
: guard
1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to keep, have charge of
1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
1a2a) watch, watchman (participle)
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff — Conjunction · verb qal third person feminine singular · suffixHC/Vqu3fs/Sp2ms
The Hebrew word אָהֵב (*'ahab*) means 'to love' and encompasses various forms of affection, including human love for others, love for God, and even appetites for things like food and wisdom. It can also refer to friendship and divine love towards humanity, particularly Israel. The entries indicate that it can function in different grammatical forms, such as participles for 'lovely' or 'loveable'.
אָהֵב 216 vb. love
Qal
human love to human object
less oft. of appetite
love to God
esp. Pt.
of divine love
Niph. Pt. pl. lovely, loveable
Pi.
friends
lovers
base
H157 אָהֵב love
157 'ahab aw-hab'
or raheb {aw-habe'}; a primitive root; to have affection for
(sexually or otherwise):--(be-)love(-d, -ly, -r), like,
friend.
אָהֵב (a.hav) — to love: lover.
: lover
1) to love
1a) (Qal)
1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual
1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom
1a3) human love for or to God
1a4) act of being a friend
1a4a) lover (participle)
1a4b) friend (participle)
1a5) God's love toward man
1a5a) to individual men
1a5b) to people Israel
1a5c) to righteousness
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) lovely (participle)
1b2) loveable (participle)
1c) (Piel)
1c1) friends
1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers)
2) to like
Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
אָהֵב (a.hav) — to love: friend.
: friend
1) to love
1a) (Qal)
1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual
1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom
1a3) human love for or to God
1a4) act of being a friend
1a4a) lover (participle)
1a4b) friend (participle)
1a5) God's love toward man
1a5a) to individual men
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff — Verb qal imperative second person masculine singular · suffixHVqv2ms/Sp3fs
נָצַר (natsar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to watch, guard, or keep. It encompasses a range of actions including protecting, preserving, and observing, as well as concealing or keeping secret. The entries suggest both positive and negative connotations, such as guarding from danger or hiding something. The term can also refer to a watchman.
[נָצַר] vb. watch, guard, keep;—Qal
Watch, guard, keep
Guard from dangers, preserve
Guard with fidelity, keep, observe
Guard, keep secret
Keep close, blockaded
base
H5341 נָצַר watch, guard, keep . Watch, guard, keep
. Guard from dangers, preserve
. Guard with fidelity, keep, observe
. Guard, keep secret
. Keep close, blockaded
5341 natsar naw-tsar'
a primitive root; to guard, in a good sense (to protect,
maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.):--
besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe,
preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man).
נָצַר (na.tsar) — to watch.
1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to watch, guard, keep
1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers
1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity
1a4) to guard, keep secret
1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded
1a6) watchman (participle)
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff — Conjunction · verb qal third person feminine singular · suffixHC/Vqu3fs/Sp2ms