Proverbs 7:4

Authorized King James Version

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Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

Original Language Analysis

אֱמֹ֣ר Say H559
אֱמֹ֣ר Say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 7
to say (used with great latitude)
לַֽ֭חָכְמָה unto wisdom H2451
לַֽ֭חָכְמָה unto wisdom
Strong's: H2451
Word #: 2 of 7
wisdom (in a good sense)
אֲחֹ֣תִי Thou art my sister H269
אֲחֹ֣תִי Thou art my sister
Strong's: H269
Word #: 3 of 7
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
אָ֑תְּ H859
אָ֑תְּ
Strong's: H859
Word #: 4 of 7
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
וּ֝מֹדָ֗ע thy kinswoman H4129
וּ֝מֹדָ֗ע thy kinswoman
Strong's: H4129
Word #: 5 of 7
an acquaintance
לַבִּינָ֥ה understanding H998
לַבִּינָ֥ה understanding
Strong's: H998
Word #: 6 of 7
understanding
תִקְרָֽא׃ and call H7121
תִקְרָֽא׃ and call
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 7 of 7
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis & Commentary

Calling wisdom 'sister' and understanding 'kinswoman' suggests intimate, familial relationship. This personification of wisdom anticipates Proverbs 8-9, where wisdom calls out in the streets. The closest human relationships become metaphor for the believer's bond with divine truth.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature often personified abstract concepts, but Israel's unique contribution was grounding wisdom in covenant relationship with the living God, not mere philosophical abstraction.

Questions for Reflection