Proverbs 3:8
What does Proverbs 3:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 3:8 means
This verse presents the tangible, physical benefits of humility and fearing the Lord as described in verse 7. Embracing God’s wisdom and departing from evil leads to 'health to thy navel' and 'marrow to thy bones.' These ancient expressions signify robust physical well-being, vitality, and strength throughout the entire body. A life aligned with God’s will brings not only spiritual but also comprehensive physical flourishing, demonstrating His holistic blessing.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000It will be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.
KJV
King James Version · 1611It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901It will be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This will give strength to your flesh, and new life to your bones.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Healing it is to thy navel, And moistening to thy bones.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For it shall be health to thy navel, and moistening to thy bones.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890it shall be health for thy navel, and moisture for thy bones.
Context
This verse directly offers the concrete, physical rewards that stem from the humility and fear of the Lord advocated in verse 7. It closes out the section on trusting God and departing from evil by underscoring the comprehensive welfare—spirit, mind, and body—that such a life brings. This promise provides another practical incentive for embracing divine wisdom, connecting spiritual obedience to tangible earthly blessings.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 147:3
He healeth the broken in heart, And bindeth up their wounds.
- Jeremiah 30:12
For thus saith Jehovah, Thy hurt is incurable, and thy wound grievous.
- Ezekiel 16:4
And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to cleanse thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all.
- Isaiah 1:6
From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and fresh stripes: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with oil.
- Job 21:24
His pails are full of milk, And the marrow of his bones is moistened.
- Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words areas a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
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