Proverbs 1:8
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Original Language Analysis
שְׁמַ֣ע
hear
H8085
שְׁמַ֣ע
hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בְּ֭נִי
My son
H1121
בְּ֭נִי
My son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מוּסַ֣ר
the instruction
H4148
מוּסַ֣ר
the instruction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
אָבִ֑יךָ
of thy father
H1
אָבִ֑יךָ
of thy father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 8
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּ֝טֹּ֗שׁ
and forsake
H5203
תִּ֝טֹּ֗שׁ
and forsake
Strong's:
H5203
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
Cross References
Proverbs 6:20My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:Proverbs 30:17The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.Proverbs 2:1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;Proverbs 1:10My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.Leviticus 19:3Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.Proverbs 1:15My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:Proverbs 31:1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.Proverbs 7:1My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.Proverbs 3:1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:2 Timothy 1:5When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, both parents taught children Torah and wisdom, unlike surrounding cultures where mothers' instruction was often devalued. This egalitarian approach to parental teaching reflected Israel's covenant distinctiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you honor your parents' godly instruction in your current life stage?
- What wisdom from your upbringing continues to guide you today?
Analysis & Commentary
Father and mother both bear responsibility for covenant instruction, reflecting the family's role as primary discipleship context. The Hebrew imperative 'hear' demands active obedience, not passive listening. This anticipates Ephesians 6:1-4, where parental authority is delegated from God and exercised under His lordship.