Proverbs 9:11
For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָמֶ֑יךָ
For by me thy days
H3117
יָמֶ֑יךָ
For by me thy days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 8
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
וְיוֹסִ֥יפוּ
shall be increased
H3254
וְיוֹסִ֥יפוּ
shall be increased
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
5 of 8
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
Cross References
Proverbs 10:27The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.Proverbs 3:2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.Proverbs 3:16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.Deuteronomy 6:2That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
Historical Context
Deuteronomic covenant promised long life for obedience (Deuteronomy 5:33, 6:2). Proverbs personalizes this - individual wisdom produces individual longevity. Modern medicine validates biblical wisdom: moderate lifestyle, healthy relationships, purposeful living correlate with longevity. Wisdom's life-giving power operates physically, relationally, spiritually. Psalm 91:16 promises: 'With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.'
Questions for Reflection
- How has wisdom (or folly) affected the quality and potentially length of your life?
- What foolish patterns are abbreviating your life or degrading its quality?
- How does God's promise of abundant life (John 10:10) connect to wisdom's life-multiplying effects?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
By wisdom your days will multiply and years added to your life. The Hebrew 'ravah' (multiply/increase) promises longevity from wisdom. This isn't mechanical guarantee but general principle: wisdom tends toward life, folly toward death. Wise living generally produces longer, better life. Foolish living abbreviates and degrades life. While exceptions exist, the pattern holds: wisdom brings life; folly brings death.