Devine Scripture

Proverbs 3:18

What does Proverbs 3:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 3:18 means

This verse powerfully likens wisdom to the 'tree of life,' evoking imagery from the Garden of Eden. For those who grasp onto and retain wisdom, it becomes a source of revitalization, eternal vitality, and ultimate restoration. This metaphor suggests that wisdom offers not merely a good life, but life in its fullest, most complete sense—a life that is truly blessed, flourishing, and enduringly joyful.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

She is a tree of life to all who take her in their hands, and happy is everyone who keeps her.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

A tree of life she <FI>is<Fi> to those laying hold on her, And whoso is retaining her <FI>is<Fi> happy.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

She is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her: and he that shall retain her is blessed.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her; and happy is he that retaineth her.

Context

This verse offers a crowning metaphor for wisdom, calling it a 'tree of life,' which is a potent biblical image alluding to flourishing and abundant life. It serves as a culmination of the praise for wisdom in this section, summarizing its life-giving essence. This profound image reinforces the ultimate value of wisdom, bridging the gap from earthly rewards to a deeper, more spiritual sense of well-being and eternal significance.

v.17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.

v.18This passage

v.19Jehovah by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding he established the heavens.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 22:2

    in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

  • Proverbs 13:12

    Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

  • Revelation 2:7

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.

  • Genesis 2:9

    And out of the ground made Jehovah God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

  • Proverbs 11:30

    The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that is wise winneth souls.

  • Genesis 3:22

    And Jehovah God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil; and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever—

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Proverbs 3

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Proverbs 3.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Proverbs 3:18.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary