Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צְרוּפָ֑ה
is pure
H6884
צְרוּפָ֑ה
is pure
Strong's:
H6884
Word #:
4 of 8
to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
מָגֵ֥ן
he is a shield
H4043
מָגֵ֥ן
he is a shield
Strong's:
H4043
Word #:
5 of 8
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
ה֝֗וּא
H1931
ה֝֗וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 8
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Cross References
Psalms 18:30As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.Psalms 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.Psalms 3:3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.Psalms 12:6The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.Psalms 119:140Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.Psalms 91:2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.Genesis 15:1After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.Psalms 144:2My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.Romans 7:12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Historical Context
The refining metaphor connects to ancient metallurgy—tested silver or gold contained no impurities. Similarly, God's Word withstands all testing and proves completely reliable and without error.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you trust Scripture as completely pure and reliable in all it affirms?
- How has God's Word proven itself a shield in your life?
- What does it mean practically to take refuge in God and His Word?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Every word of God is 'pure' (Hebrew 'tsaraph'—refined, tested); He is a shield to those who trust Him. This verse transitions from questions (verse 4) to affirmation of Scripture's perfection and God's protection. The word 'tsaraph' refers to refined metal—God's Word has been tested and proven completely pure. Reformed theology's doctrine of Scripture's inerrancy and sufficiency flows from this. God's Word is flawless and fully trustworthy. Those who trust ('chasah'—take refuge) find Him a shield (Psalm 18:30).