Biblical Hebrew

Introduction to Proverbs 10:1: Wisdom and Folly in the Household Proverbs 10:1 marks the beginning of a new literary section—the collected sayings of Solomon. This verse presents a stark contrast between wisdom and folly, framed within the parental relationship. The verb יְשַׂמַּח (yəsammaḥ), “he makes glad,” plays a central role, revealing the power of a child’s actions to shape the emotional world of the family. מִשְׁלֵ֗י שְׁלֹ֫מֹ֥ה פ בֵּ֣ן חָ֭כָם יְשַׂמַּח־אָ֑ב וּבֵ֥ן כְּ֝סִ֗יל תּוּגַ֥ת אִמֹּֽו׃ Examining the Core Structure: The Parallelism of Joy and Sorrow The two-part parallelism of this verse is clear: בֵּ֣ן חָ֭כָם יְשַׂמַּח־אָ֑ב בֵּן (bēn) – “A son” (subject).… Learn Hebrew

Introduction to Proverbs 9:1: The Architecture of Wisdom Proverbs 9:1 presents one of the most striking images in biblical poetry—Wisdom, personified as a master architect, building her house with seven pillars. The verb בָּנְתָה (bāntāh), “she has built,” is not merely a grammatical structure; it is a theological and poetic blueprint, revealing how divine wisdom constructs the very foundations of knowledge, righteousness, and creation itself. חָ֭כְמֹות בָּנְתָ֣ה בֵיתָ֑הּ חָצְבָ֖ה עַמּוּדֶ֣יהָ שִׁבְעָֽה׃ The Foundation of the Text: What is Being Built? At the heart of this verse is a grand metaphor: Wisdom builds her house—but what does this house symbolize?… Learn Hebrew

Introduction to Proverbs 8:1: When Wisdom Speaks Proverbs 8:1 stands as a grand overture to one of the most elevated poetic personifications in biblical literature—Wisdom (חָכְמָה, ḥokhmāh). Unlike the enticing voice of folly in earlier chapters, here Wisdom herself takes center stage, raising her voice, summoning all who would heed her call. The verb תִקְרָא (tiqrāʾ)—”she calls”—is not merely a grammatical function but a powerful rhetorical device that invites the reader to step into an oratory where divine instruction resonates. הֲלֹֽא־חָכְמָ֥ה תִקְרָ֑א וּ֝תְבוּנָ֗ה תִּתֵּ֥ן קֹולָֽהּ׃ Unraveling the Hebrew: The Cry of Wisdom At first glance, the parallelism of this verse is unmistakable: Wisdom (חָכְמָה, ḥokhmāh) and Understanding (תְבוּנָה, təvūnāh) are active—they call, they give voice.… Learn Hebrew