Proverbs 2:4
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 5
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תְּבַקְשֶׁ֥נָּה
If thou seekest
H1245
תְּבַקְשֶׁ֥נָּה
If thou seekest
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
2 of 5
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
כַכָּ֑סֶף
her as silver
H3701
כַכָּ֑סֶף
her as silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
3 of 5
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
Cross References
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.Job 3:21Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;Proverbs 16:16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!Matthew 19:29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.Psalms 119:127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.Psalms 119:14I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.Psalms 119:72The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.Proverbs 23:23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.Ecclesiastes 4:8There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.Luke 16:8And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
Historical Context
Solomon controlled extensive mining operations (1 Kings 9:26-28, 10:22), making this metaphor vivid to his audience. The Phoenician partnership in mining ventures was well-known, requiring sophisticated technology and significant investment.
Questions for Reflection
- What sacrifices are you willing to make to gain deeper biblical wisdom?
- How does viewing wisdom as treasure change your priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The mining metaphor illustrates the strenuous effort required to obtain wisdom. Silver mining in ancient times demanded dangerous, exhausting labor with no guaranteed reward. Yet the Reformed perspective maintains that even this diligent seeking is enabled by God's grace, not meritorious in itself. The treasure found is God's gift.