Proverbs 3:22

Authorized King James Version

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So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

Original Language Analysis

וְיִֽהְי֣וּ H1961
וְיִֽהְי֣וּ
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 5
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
חַיִּ֣ים So shall they be life H2416
חַיִּ֣ים So shall they be life
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 2 of 5
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
לְנַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ unto thy soul H5315
לְנַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ unto thy soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 3 of 5
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְ֝חֵ֗ן and grace H2580
וְ֝חֵ֗ן and grace
Strong's: H2580
Word #: 4 of 5
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
לְגַרְגְּרֹתֶֽיךָ׃ to thy neck H1621
לְגַרְגְּרֹתֶֽיךָ׃ to thy neck
Strong's: H1621
Word #: 5 of 5
the throat (as used in rumination)

Analysis & Commentary

Wisdom provides life to the soul and grace to the neck. The Hebrew 'chayim' (life) refers to vitality and flourishing, while 'chen' (grace) to the neck suggests adornment - wisdom beautifies the one who possesses it. This dual benefit addresses both internal reality (soul life) and external appearance (attractive character). True wisdom transforms both who we are and how we appear to others.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued both inner character and outer reputation. Wisdom literature recognizes both dimensions - wise living produces genuine virtue (internal) and good reputation (external), unlike hypocrisy (external without internal) or obscure righteousness (internal without external recognition).

Questions for Reflection