Proverbs 4:3

Authorized King James Version

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For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.

Original Language Analysis

כִּי H3588
כִּי
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
בֵ֭ן son H1121
בֵ֭ן son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 2 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הָיִ֣יתִי H1961
הָיִ֣יתִי
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 3 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְאָבִ֑י For I was my father's H1
לְאָבִ֑י For I was my father's
Strong's: H1
Word #: 4 of 8
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
רַ֥ךְ tender H7390
רַ֥ךְ tender
Strong's: H7390
Word #: 5 of 8
tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak
וְ֝יָחִ֗יד and only H3173
וְ֝יָחִ֗יד and only
Strong's: H3173
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, united, i.e., sole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; (feminine) the life (as not to be replaced)
לִפְנֵ֥י beloved in the sight H6440
לִפְנֵ֥י beloved in the sight
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 7 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אִמִּֽי׃ of my mother H517
אִמִּֽי׃ of my mother
Strong's: H517
Word #: 8 of 8
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

Analysis & Commentary

Solomon identifies himself as his father's (David's) son, tender and beloved. The Hebrew 'rak' (tender/delicate) and 'yachid' (only one/beloved) describe parental affection and careful nurture. This personal testimony grounds wisdom transmission in family relationships characterized by love. Good teaching flows from loving relationships, not merely formal instruction. The fact that wisdom came through David (a man after God's own heart despite failures) demonstrates that wisdom transcends personal perfection.

Historical Context

David's charge to Solomon is recorded in 1 Kings 2:1-9, emphasizing faithfulness to God's law. Despite David's moral failures (Bathsheba, Uriah), he transmitted godly wisdom to his son. This illustrates that imperfect parents can still pass on divine truth when centered on God's Word rather than personal example alone.

Questions for Reflection

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