Proverbs 8:4
Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
Original Language Analysis
אִישִׁ֣ים
Unto you O men
H376
אִישִׁ֣ים
Unto you O men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶקְרָ֑א
I call
H7121
אֶקְרָ֑א
I call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 7
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Revelation 22:17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.Psalms 50:1The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.Matthew 11:15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Historical Context
Solomon's court attracted international visitors seeking his wisdom (1 Kings 4:34). This verse reflects both the universal scope of wisdom and the historical reality of Israel as a light to the nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the universal availability of God's wisdom shape our evangelism and cultural engagement?
- What is the relationship between common grace (available to all) and saving grace (given to the elect)?
- How do you respond to the reality that all people have access to God's wisdom through creation and conscience?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom's audience is universal: 'unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.' The Hebrew 'ish' (men) and 'adam' (mankind) emphasize that wisdom addresses all humanity without distinction. This reflects the Reformed understanding that God's common grace extends truth to all people, though saving grace comes only through election. Natural law and conscience witness to God's wisdom universally, making humanity accountable. The gospel call similarly goes out to all, though only the elect respond in faith.