Introduction to Proverbs 7:1
Proverbs 7:1 contains a parental exhortation urging the son to heed wisdom and treasure commandments. The verb שְׁמֹר (shemor) is in the imperative form, a common grammatical structure used in Biblical Hebrew for direct commands or instructions. This analysis will explore the morphology, syntactic function, and semantic implications of שְׁמֹר in this wisdom literature context.
בְּ֭נִי שְׁמֹ֣ר אֲמָרָ֑י וּ֝מִצְוֹתַ֗י תִּצְפֹּ֥ן אִתָּֽךְ׃
Analysis of Key Words/Phrases
The imperative verb שְׁמֹר (shemor) appears in the phrase:
בְּ֭נִי שְׁמֹ֣ר אֲמָרָ֑י
This phrase consists of:
- בְּנִי (bəni) – “My son” (vocative noun, direct address).
- שְׁמֹר (shemor) – “Keep!” or “Guard!” (imperative verb).
- אֲמָרָי (ʾămarāy) – “My words” (construct phrase, object of the verb).
The verb שְׁמֹר is the focus of our grammatical analysis.
Explanation of Grammatical Function
Morphological Analysis of שְׁמֹר
The verb שְׁמֹר is derived from the root שָׁמַר (š-m-r), meaning “to guard, keep, observe.” It appears in the Qal imperative form, which is used for direct commands.
Parsing Details
- Root: שָׁמַר (š-m-r)
- Form: Qal Imperative 2nd-person Masculine Singular
- Translation: “Keep!” or “Guard!”
The Function of the Imperative Form
The imperative is used in Biblical Hebrew to express:
- Direct Commands: “Keep my words!”
- Exhortations: “You must guard my sayings.”
- Encouragement or Pleas: “Please observe my words.”
In Proverbs 7:1, שְׁמֹר functions as a fatherly command, instructing the listener to actively preserve wisdom.
Lexical and Semantic Nuances
The root שָׁמַר (š-m-r) often conveys meanings related to protection, obedience, and careful attention, particularly in wisdom and legal texts:
- Deuteronomy 6:6 – וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם לַעֲשׂוֹת (ušmartem laʿăśōt), “And you shall keep to do (them).” (keeping commandments).
- Psalm 121:7 – יְהוָה יִשְׁמָרְךָ מִכָּל־רָע (YHWH yišmārəkā mi-kol rāʿ), “YHWH will guard you from all evil.”
In Proverbs 7:1, שְׁמֹר conveys an active guarding of wisdom, emphasizing the necessity of internalizing and applying divine instruction.
Word Order and Syntax
The phrase בְּנִי שְׁמֹר אֲמָרָי follows a vocative-verb-object structure:
- בְּנִי – “My son” (vocative noun, signaling direct address).
- שְׁמֹר – “Keep!” (imperative verb, command to the listener).
- אֲמָרָי – “My words” (object of the verb).
This structure places emphasis on the command, making שְׁמֹר the primary focus of the instruction.
The Role of שְׁמֹר in Proverbs 7:1
The imperative verb שְׁמֹר in Proverbs 7:1 is central to the wisdom tradition, reinforcing the necessity of active engagement with divine teachings. The choice of שָׁמַר conveys more than just listening—it emphasizes preservation, obedience, and careful attention to wisdom.
This grammatical choice highlights the theme of discipline and moral vigilance, a key motif in Proverbs, where wisdom must be actively guarded to avoid the pitfalls of folly.
