Proverbs 6:21
Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
Original Language Analysis
קָשְׁרֵ֣ם
Bind
H7194
קָשְׁרֵ֣ם
Bind
Strong's:
H7194
Word #:
1 of 7
to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לִבְּךָ֣
upon thine heart
H3820
לִבְּךָ֣
upon thine heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
תָמִ֑יד
them continually
H8548
תָמִ֑יד
them continually
Strong's:
H8548
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures used amulets and phylacteries - physical objects worn for spiritual protection or identification. Israelites were commanded to bind Torah physically (phylacteries) and spiritually (internalization). Jesus criticized Pharisees for ostentatious phylacteries while neglecting heart obedience (Matthew 23:5). True binding is internal, producing external fruit.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you 'bind' God's Word more deeply to your heart rather than merely acknowledging it intellectually?
- What would wearing wisdom 'around your neck' look like in visible daily practice?
- How do you balance internal internalization with external witness to God's truth?
Analysis & Commentary
Bind these commands on your heart, tie them around your neck. The Hebrew 'qashar' (bind) and 'anaq' (tie/necklace) command intimate association with wisdom. Heart-binding indicates internalization; neck-wearing suggests visible identification. Wisdom shouldn't be external rule to consult occasionally but internal reality shaping identity and visible testimony to others. This echoes Deuteronomy 6:6-8's command to bind God's words on hands, foreheads, and doorposts.