Proverbs 6:20
My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Original Language Analysis
נְצֹ֣ר
keep
H5341
נְצֹ֣ר
keep
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
1 of 8
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
בְּ֭נִי
My son
H1121
בְּ֭נִי
My 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
מִצְוַ֣ת
commandment
H4687
מִצְוַ֣ת
commandment
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
3 of 8
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
אָבִ֑יךָ
thy father's
H1
אָבִ֑יךָ
thy father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 8
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּ֝טֹּ֗שׁ
and forsake
H5203
תִּ֝טֹּ֗שׁ
and forsake
Strong's:
H5203
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
Cross References
Historical Context
Mothers in Israel taught children Torah and wisdom, preserving covenant knowledge across generations. Deborah, Hannah, and the Proverbs 31 woman exemplify this vital maternal role in spiritual formation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do your parents' godly teachings continue to guide you today?
- What spiritual heritage are you building to pass on to future generations?
Analysis & Commentary
Parental teaching provides moral guidance throughout life. The pairing of father's commandment and mother's law gives equal weight to both parents' instruction, reflecting their joint covenant responsibility. This wisdom becomes internalized conscience, guiding even when external accountability is absent.