The Morphology of Conditional Clauses and Imperative Forms in Proverbs 2:1

Introduction to Proverbs 2:1

Proverbs 2:1 introduces a conditional clause that frames a wisdom teaching directed at the reader, portrayed as a “son.” This verse contains an implicit “if-then” structure, where the protasis (if-clause) is stated, and the apodosis (then-clause) is implied in the following verses.

The verse consists of:

1. A conditional verb in the imperfect (אִם־תִּקַּ֣ח, “if you take”).
2. A parallel imperfect verb reinforcing the condition (תִּצְפֹּ֥ן, “you store up”).
3. A direct object referring to wisdom’s teachings (אֲמָרָ֑י, “my words”; מִצְוֹתַ֗י, “my commandments”).

This study will analyze the morphology of conditional sentences in Biblical Hebrew, the function of imperfect verbs in protasis clauses, and the significance of wisdom imperatives in Proverbs.

בְּ֭נִי אִם־תִּקַּ֣ח אֲמָרָ֑י וּ֝מִצְוֹתַ֗י תִּצְפֹּ֥ן אִתָּֽךְ׃

Analysis of Key Words/Phrases

1. בְּ֭נִי (beni)
   • Root: בֵּן (“son”)
   • Form: Noun, singular, construct form
   • Translation: “My son”
   • Function: Direct address, a typical wisdom-literature motif.
2. אִם־תִּקַּ֣ח (im-tiqaḥ)
   • Root: לָקַח (“to take, receive”)
   • Form: Qal imperfect 2nd masculine singular
   • Translation: “If you take”
   • Function: Conditional protasis (the “if” clause), indicating a requirement for wisdom.
3. אֲמָרָ֑י (amarai)
   • Root: אֵמֶר (“word, saying”)
   • Form: Noun, plural, construct with 1st person singular suffix (“my words”)
   • Translation: “My words”
   • Function: Direct object of “take,” referring to the wisdom imparted by the speaker.
4. וּ֝מִצְוֹתַ֗י (umitsvotai)
   • Root: מִצְוָה (“commandment”)
   • Form: Noun, plural, construct with 1st person singular suffix (“my commandments”)
   • Translation: “And my commandments”
   • Function: Second direct object, paralleling “my words” as part of wisdom instruction.
5. תִּצְפֹּ֥ן אִתָּֽךְ (titspen ittakh)
   • Root: צָפַן (“to store, treasure up”)
   • Form: Qal imperfect 2nd masculine singular
   • Translation: “You store them up with you”
   • Function: Second conditional verb reinforcing the expected action in the “if” clause.

Explanation of Grammatical Function

The Conditional Structure with אִם (“If”)

אִם introduces a protasis (condition), setting up a requirement for wisdom acquisition.

Apodosis (result) is implied in the following verses, meaning “then you will understand the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 2:5).

The Qal Imperfect Forms Expressing Hypothetical Actions

תִּקַּ֣ח (“you take”) and תִּצְפֹּ֥ן (“you store up”) both appear in imperfect aspect, indicating a future possibility dependent on fulfillment of the condition.

The Function of the Parallel Direct Objects

אֲמָרָ֑י (“my words”) and מִצְוֹתַ֗י (“my commandments”) form a construct chain with a 1st-person suffix, reinforcing the wisdom tradition’s emphasis on instruction.

Theological Implications of Conditional Wisdom

1. The Requirement of Active Participation in WisdomWisdom is not automatically granted but requires action (“taking” and “storing up”).
2. The Value of Internalizing WisdomThe verb צָפַן (“to store up”) implies not just obedience but treasuring wisdom in one’s heart.
3. Parallel to Torah InstructionThe use of מִצְוֹתַי (“my commandments”) aligns wisdom with divine instruction and covenantal obedience.

The Role of Conditional Clauses in Hebrew Wisdom Literature

Proverbs 2:1 demonstrates a structured conditional formula, where imperfect verbs express required actions for obtaining wisdom. The parallel direct objects reinforce the weight of divine instruction, while the imperative nature of wisdom acquisition underscores its active pursuit.

Thus, this verse serves as both a grammatical example of Hebrew conditional structure and a theological foundation for understanding the process of wisdom attainment in biblical thought.