Proverbs 8:25

Authorized King James Version

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Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

Original Language Analysis

בְּטֶ֣רֶם H2962
בְּטֶ֣רֶם
Strong's: H2962
Word #: 1 of 6
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
הָרִ֣ים Before the mountains H2022
הָרִ֣ים Before the mountains
Strong's: H2022
Word #: 2 of 6
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
הָטְבָּ֑עוּ were settled H2883
הָטְבָּ֑עוּ were settled
Strong's: H2883
Word #: 3 of 6
to sink
לִפְנֵ֖י before H6440
לִפְנֵ֖י before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 4 of 6
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
גְבָע֣וֹת the hills H1389
גְבָע֣וֹת the hills
Strong's: H1389
Word #: 5 of 6
a hillock
חוֹלָֽלְתִּי׃ was I brought forth H2342
חוֹלָֽלְתִּי׃ was I brought forth
Strong's: H2342
Word #: 6 of 6
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

Analysis & Commentary

Before mountains were settled, before hills, wisdom existed. The Hebrew 'taba' (sink down/settle) describes mountains being established. Even earth's most ancient, stable features postdate wisdom. Mountains seem eternal and immovable, yet they're created realities that presuppose wisdom. Only God and His attributes truly have eternality. Everything physical, however ancient or stable, is contingent.

Historical Context

Ancient peoples viewed mountains as eternal, unchanging - 'everlasting hills' (Genesis 49:26). Yet Proverbs insists even these aren't truly eternal. Psalm 90:2 teaches: 'Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.' Divine eternality relativizes all created stability.

Questions for Reflection