Proverbs 3:19

Authorized King James Version

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The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

Original Language Analysis

יְֽהוָ֗ה The LORD H3068
יְֽהוָ֗ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 1 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּחָכְמָ֥ה by wisdom H2451
בְּחָכְמָ֥ה by wisdom
Strong's: H2451
Word #: 2 of 7
wisdom (in a good sense)
יָֽסַד hath founded H3245
יָֽסַד hath founded
Strong's: H3245
Word #: 3 of 7
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
אָ֑רֶץ the earth H776
אָ֑רֶץ the earth
Strong's: H776
Word #: 4 of 7
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
כּוֹנֵ֥ן hath he established H3559
כּוֹנֵ֥ן hath he established
Strong's: H3559
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם the heavens H8064
שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם the heavens
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 6 of 7
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
בִּתְבוּנָֽה׃ by understanding H8394
בִּתְבוּנָֽה׃ by understanding
Strong's: H8394
Word #: 7 of 7
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice

Analysis & Commentary

God's wisdom in creation reveals His attributes and sovereignty (Romans 1:20). The Hebrew 'yasad' (founded) suggests a permanent, stable foundation, contrasting evolutionary randomness. This verse grounds ethics and epistemology in the Creator's design, showing that wisdom discerns and aligns with the order God established from the beginning.

Historical Context

Ancient creation myths portrayed chaotic battles between gods. In contrast, Scripture presents purposeful, wise creation by the sovereign LORD, who spoke all things into ordered existence according to His eternal plan.

Questions for Reflection