Proverbs 2:5
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
Original Language Analysis
אָ֗ז
H227
תָּ֭בִין
Then shalt thou understand
H995
תָּ֭בִין
Then shalt thou understand
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
2 of 7
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Proverbs 1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.Jeremiah 24:7And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.Luke 10:22All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.Jeremiah 9:24But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.Jeremiah 31:34And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.Matthew 11:27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.Hosea 6:3Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
Historical Context
Unlike pagan wisdom literature focused on pragmatic success, Israel's wisdom was covenantal and theocentric. Knowledge of God meant intimate relationship within the covenant framework, not mere theological facts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does fear of the Lord shape your daily decisions and priorities?
- In what ways can you deepen your experiential knowledge of God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The 'fear of the LORD' is not servile terror but reverential awe that acknowledges His holiness and our dependence. This fear is the epistemological foundation for all true knowledge—without it, wisdom is impossible. Finding 'knowledge of God' is the ultimate goal, surpassing mere moral improvement or practical success.