Proverbs 3:9
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
Original Language Analysis
כַּבֵּ֣ד
Honour
H3513
כַּבֵּ֣ד
Honour
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
1 of 7
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְ֭הוָה
the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּ֝מֵרֵאשִׁ֗ית
and with the firstfruits
H7225
וּ֝מֵרֵאשִׁ֗ית
and with the firstfruits
Strong's:
H7225
Word #:
5 of 7
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
Cross References
Exodus 23:19The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.1 Corinthians 16:2Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.Proverbs 14:31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.Exodus 22:29Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.Exodus 34:26The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.Genesis 28:22And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, honoring God with firstfruits demonstrated trust in His provision and acknowledged Him as the source of all blessings.
Questions for Reflection
- In what specific ways do you honor God with your financial resources, and do you give Him the 'firstfruits' or the leftovers?
- How does tithing or generous giving challenge your trust in material security versus trust in God as provider?
Analysis & Commentary
This command addresses the proper use of material resources. 'Honour the LORD with thy substance' (כַּבֵּד אֶת־יְהוָה מֵהוֹנֶךָ/kabbed et-Yahweh mehonecha) uses 'kavad,' meaning to honor, glorify, give weight to. 'Substance' (הוֹן/hon) refers to wealth, possessions, resources—everything we own. 'The firstfruits of all thine increase' (מֵרֵאשִׁית כָּל־תְּבוּאָתֶךָ/mere'shit kol-tevu'atecha) specifies priority and proportion—God receives first and best, not leftovers. This principle governed Israelite worship (Exodus 23:19) and demonstrated trust that God, not possessions, provides security. Verse 10 promises abundance for those who honor God financially. Malachi 3:8-10 later confronted Israel's failure here, while the New Testament urges proportional, cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). This verse challenges materialism's grip and tests whether we truly trust God as provider.