Proverbs 2:1
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
Original Language Analysis
בְּ֭נִי
My son
H1121
בְּ֭נִי
My son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תִּקַּ֣ח
if thou wilt receive
H3947
תִּקַּ֣ח
if thou wilt receive
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
3 of 7
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
וּ֝מִצְוֹתַ֗י
my commandments
H4687
וּ֝מִצְוֹתַ֗י
my commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
5 of 7
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
Cross References
Proverbs 3:1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:Proverbs 1:3To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;Proverbs 4:1Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.Proverbs 7:1My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.Job 23:12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.Proverbs 6:21Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.Proverbs 4:10Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.Matthew 13:44Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.Luke 2:19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Historical Context
Part of Solomon's collection of wisdom instructions to his son, reflecting the tradition of parental teaching in ancient Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean practically to 'hide' God's commandments in your heart rather than merely hearing them?
- How diligently are you pursuing wisdom compared to other priorities in your life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse begins the second major discourse in Proverbs (2:1-22), establishing the conditional nature of wisdom's attainment. 'If thou wilt receive' (אִם־תִּקַּח/im-tiqach) places the responsibility on the hearer—wisdom requires active reception, not passive hearing. The verb 'laqach' means to take, accept, receive—implying intentional appropriation. 'Hide my commandments with thee' uses the verb 'tsaphan' (צָפַן), meaning to treasure, store up, keep safe. The imagery suggests internalization, not merely external observance. One treasures what one values highly, keeping it secure and accessible. This verse (continuing through v.5) establishes that finding 'the knowledge of God' requires diligent seeking, earnest pursuit, and wholehearted commitment. Wisdom is not randomly distributed but promised to those who actively pursue it with dedication.