Proverbs 4:2
For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֶ֣קַח
doctrine
H3948
לֶ֣קַח
doctrine
Strong's:
H3948
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, something received, i.e., (mentally) instruction (whether on the part of the teacher or hearer); also (in an active and sinister sense) inve
ט֭וֹב
you good
H2896
ט֭וֹב
you good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
3 of 8
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
נָתַ֣תִּי
For I give
H5414
נָתַ֣תִּי
For I give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
תּֽ֝וֹרָתִ֗י
ye not my law
H8451
תּֽ֝וֹרָתִ֗י
ye not my law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
6 of 8
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
Cross References
1 Timothy 4:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.Deuteronomy 32:2My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:Titus 1:9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.Job 33:3My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.Job 11:4For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.1 Chronicles 28:9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.2 Chronicles 7:19But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;
Historical Context
In oral cultures where written texts were scarce, memorization and verbal transmission preserved wisdom across generations. Fathers teaching sons (v.1) represented primary educational model. Forsaking good doctrine meant generational loss of divine wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'good doctrine' have you received that requires intentional effort to retain?
- How can you ensure you don't forsake sound teaching amid competing voices?
- What practices help you guard and preserve biblical truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Good doctrine requires diligent attention. The Hebrew 'leqach tov' (good learning/doctrine) indicates quality instruction worth preserving. The command not to forsake implies active retention - wisdom must be guarded or it will be lost. This verse emphasizes both the value of sound teaching and personal responsibility to maintain it. Truth doesn't automatically persist; it requires intentional cultivation.