Proverbs 8:30

Authorized King James Version

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Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

Original Language Analysis

וָֽאֶהְיֶ֥ה H1961
וָֽאֶהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֶצְל֗וֹ Then I was by him H681
אֶצְל֗וֹ Then I was by him
Strong's: H681
Word #: 2 of 11
a side; (as a preposition) near
אָ֫מ֥וֹן as one brought up H525
אָ֫מ֥וֹן as one brought up
Strong's: H525
Word #: 3 of 11
skilled, i.e., an architect
וָֽאֶהְיֶ֣ה H1961
וָֽאֶהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 4 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שַׁ֭עֲשֻׁעִים his delight H8191
שַׁ֭עֲשֻׁעִים his delight
Strong's: H8191
Word #: 5 of 11
enjoyment
י֑וֹם with him and I was daily H3117
י֑וֹם with him and I was daily
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 6 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
י֑וֹם with him and I was daily H3117
י֑וֹם with him and I was daily
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 7 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
מְשַׂחֶ֖קֶת rejoicing H7832
מְשַׂחֶ֖קֶת rejoicing
Strong's: H7832
Word #: 8 of 11
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
לְפָנָ֣יו before H6440
לְפָנָ֣יו before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 9 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בְּכָל H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 10 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֵֽת׃ always H6256
עֵֽת׃ always
Strong's: H6256
Word #: 11 of 11
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

Analysis & Commentary

Wisdom was beside God as master workman, daily His delight, rejoicing always. The Hebrew 'amon' (master workman/craftsman) describes skilled artisan. Wisdom wasn't merely spectator but active participant in creation. The relationship is intimate - beside God, His delight, mutual rejoicing. This portrays wisdom as personal, not merely abstract principle. John's Gospel identifies this Wisdom as Christ, the Word who 'was with God, and was God' (John 1:1).

Historical Context

This verse's Christological significance is profound. Early church fathers saw Christ prefigured here - eternal Wisdom, with God, delighting in Father, instrumental in creation. Colossians 1:16 affirms: 'By him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth...all things were created by him, and for him.' Christ is Wisdom incarnate, Creator and Sustainer of all.

Questions for Reflection