Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נֵ֣ר
is a lamp
H5216
נֵ֣ר
is a lamp
Strong's:
H5216
Word #:
2 of 9
a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
מִ֭צְוָה
For the commandment
H4687
מִ֭צְוָה
For the commandment
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
3 of 9
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
וְת֣וֹרָה
and the law
H8451
וְת֣וֹרָה
and the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
4 of 9
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
א֑וֹר
is light
H216
א֑וֹר
is light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
5 of 9
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
וְדֶ֥רֶךְ
are the way
H1870
וְדֶ֥רֶךְ
are the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
6 of 9
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
חַ֝יִּ֗ים
of life
H2416
חַ֝יִּ֗ים
of life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
7 of 9
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
Cross References
Psalms 119:105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.2 Peter 1:19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:Psalms 19:8The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.Proverbs 15:31The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.Proverbs 4:13Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.Proverbs 4:4He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.Jeremiah 21:8And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.Psalms 141:5Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.Proverbs 15:24The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.Proverbs 3:18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, actual lamps provided crucial illumination in dark homes and streets. The metaphor of God's word as light was therefore visceral and practical. The Torah provided moral and civil guidance for community life, making this comparison apt. Early Christians continued this imagery, recognizing Scripture as authoritative guide.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you actively use Scripture as a 'lamp' to guide specific decisions and illuminate moral dangers?
- When have you experienced God's word exposing sin or guiding you away from destructive paths?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse presents God's commandments as life-giving light. 'The commandment is a lamp; and the law is light' uses parallel metaphors—lamp for individual commandments and light for the whole law (torah). In darkness, a lamp guides steps and reveals dangers; similarly, God's commandments illumine the moral path and expose sin. 'Reproofs of instruction are the way of life' completes the thought: corrective discipline guides toward life. This anticipates Psalm 119:105 ('Thy word is a lamp unto my feet') and the New Testament's presentation of Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12). Without God's revealed word, humans stumble in moral darkness; with it, we walk safely toward life.