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Proverbs 8:23 From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began.
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“From eternity I was established, From the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“From everlasting I was established, From the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“From everlasting I was established, From the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />From everlasting I was installed, From the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“From everlasting I was established <i>and</i> ordained, From the beginning, before the earth existed, [I, godly wisdom, existed].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I was formed before ancient times, from the beginning, before the earth began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I was formed before ancient times, from the beginning, before the earth began. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />to create the earth. At the very first, the LORD gave life to me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I was appointed from everlasting from the first, before the earth began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I was made in the very beginning, at the first, before the world began. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />From eternity I was appointed, from the beginning, from before there was land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />From eternity I was appointed, from the beginning, from before the world existed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I was anointed from the age, from the first, "" From former states of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> From the age I was anointed, from the first, From former states of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />From forever I was knit together, from the beginning, from the first of the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth was made. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I was ordained from eternity, and out of antiquity, before the earth was formed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />From of old I was formed, at the first, before the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I was established from everlasting, from the beginning, before he made the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And before the world he was possessed by me, and from the beginning, before he would establish the Earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Or ever the earth was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He established me before time <i>was</i> in the beginning, before he made the earth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/8-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=1437" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm">The Excellence of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: mê·‘ō·w·lām (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. ">From everlasting</a> <a href="/hebrew/5258.htm" title="5258: nis·saḵ·tî (V-Nifal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast; by analogy, to anoint a king.">I was established,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: mê·rōš (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">from the beginning,</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ā·reṣ (N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">before the earth</a> <a href="/hebrew/6924.htm" title="6924: miq·qaḏ·mê- (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- The front, of place, time. Or qedmah; from qadam; the front, of place or time; often used adverbially.">began.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a></span><br />In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15-17</a></span><br />The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. / For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">Hebrews 1:2-3</a></span><br />But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. / The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-14.htm">Revelation 3:14</a></span><br />To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a></span><br />But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-2.htm">Psalm 90:2</a></span><br />Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/17-5.htm">John 17:5</a></span><br />And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Ephesians 3:9-11</a></span><br />and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. / His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, / according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a></span><br />but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a></span><br />I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/93-2.htm">Psalm 93:2</a></span><br />Your throne was established long ago; You are from all eternity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">1 Peter 1:20</a></span><br />He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a></span><br />For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-58.htm">John 8:58</a></span><br />“Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/102-25.htm">Psalm 102:25</a></span><br />In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">Genesis 1:26</a></b></br> And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/2-6.htm">Psalm 2:6</a></b></br> Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a></b></br> But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, <i>though</i> thou be little among the thousands of Judah, <i>yet</i> out of thee shall he come forth unto me <i>that is</i> to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth <i>have been</i> from of old, from everlasting.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/148-6.htm">Age</a> <a href="/psalms/145-13.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/psalms/143-5.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/psalms/132-17.htm">Anointed</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-20.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/psalms/144-14.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/psalms/68-33.htm">Earliest</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-16.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">Established</a> <a href="/psalms/145-13.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/psalms/106-48.htm">Eternity</a> <a href="/psalms/145-13.htm">Everlasting</a> <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Existed</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">First</a> <a href="/psalms/89-49.htm">Former</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-11.htm">States</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-9.htm">Time</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-31.htm">Times</a> <a href="/psalms/98-9.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/10-30.htm">Age</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-10.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-10.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-1.htm">Anointed</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-29.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-26.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-24.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-3.htm">Earliest</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-26.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-27.htm">Established</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-28.htm">Eternity</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-25.htm">Everlasting</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-10.htm">Existed</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-26.htm">First</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-10.htm">Former</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">States</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Time</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-30.htm">Times</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-26.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">the fame</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-6.htm">and evidence of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">The excellence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">the nature</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">the power</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">the riches</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">and the eternity of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-32.htm">Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>From everlasting I was established</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of wisdom, suggesting that it is not a created entity but has always existed. In biblical context, this aligns with the concept of God's eternal nature, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/90-2.htm">Psalm 90:2</a>, which speaks of God's existence from everlasting to everlasting. The term "established" implies a firm foundation, indicating that wisdom is a fundamental aspect of God's character and creation. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who is described in <a href="/john/1.htm">John 1:1-2</a> as being with God in the beginning and through whom all things were made.<p><b>From the beginning</b><br>The phrase "from the beginning" connects to the creation narrative in <a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a>, where God creates the heavens and the earth. It underscores the idea that wisdom was present at the very start of creation, playing a role in the formation of the universe. This is further supported by <a href="/proverbs/3-19.htm">Proverbs 3:19</a>, which states that the Lord founded the earth by wisdom. Theologically, this suggests that wisdom is integral to the order and design of creation, reflecting God's intentionality and purpose.<p><b>Before the earth began</b><br>This phrase highlights the pre-existence of wisdom before the physical world was formed. It suggests a time before the material universe, pointing to a divine plan and order that precedes creation. This can be linked to <a href="/job/38-4.htm">Job 38:4-7</a>, where God questions Job about the foundations of the earth, implying that wisdom was present even then. In a Christological sense, it parallels <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16-17</a>, where Christ is described as existing before all things and holding all creation together, reinforcing the idea of wisdom as a divine attribute embodied in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>In <a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm">Proverbs 8</a>, Wisdom is personified and speaks as a divine attribute of God, present from the beginning of creation. This personification highlights the eternal nature and foundational role of wisdom in God's creation and order.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/creation.htm">Creation</a></b><br>The verse references the time "before the earth began," pointing to the period of creation. It emphasizes the pre-existence of wisdom before the physical universe was formed.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>Implicit in the text is the presence of God, who establishes wisdom. This reflects the belief in God as the eternal source and originator of all things, including wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_nature_of_wisdom.htm">Eternal Nature of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not a human invention but an eternal attribute of God. It existed before the world and is foundational to creation. As believers, we should seek this divine wisdom in our lives, recognizing its timeless value.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_creation.htm">God's Sovereignty in Creation</a></b><br>The establishment of wisdom "from everlasting" points to God's sovereign plan and order. Trusting in God's wisdom means acknowledging His control and purpose in the universe and our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_wisdom.htm">Pursuit of Wisdom</a></b><br>Since wisdom is foundational and eternal, pursuing it should be a priority for Christians. This pursuit involves studying Scripture, prayer, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_embodiment_of_wisdom.htm">Christ as the Embodiment of Wisdom</a></b><br>In the New Testament, Christ is often associated with divine wisdom. Understanding <a href="/proverbs/8-23.htm">Proverbs 8:23</a> in light of Christ's role in creation can deepen our appreciation of His divine nature and work.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_8's_wisdom_align_with_john_1.htm">Throughout Proverbs 8, wisdom is personified. Does this depiction align or conflict with other biblical references to God’s attributes (e.g., John 1:1–3)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_god's_wisdom_in_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible say about God's wisdom?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_wisdom_eternal_like_god.htm">Proverbs 8:22–23: How can wisdom be “brought forth” before creation, if God alone is eternal and uncreated? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_proverbs_8_27_align_with_cosmology.htm">Proverbs 8:27: When it says wisdom was there at the making of the heavens, how does this compare with modern cosmology's timing of the universe's formation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">I</span> <span class= "bld">was set up.</span>--An unusual word; also applied to our Lord in <a href="/psalms/2-6.htm" title="Yet have I set my king on my holy hill of Zion.">Psalm 2:6</a> when "set" as King on Zion.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I was set up from everlasting.</span> The verb used here is remarkable. It is <span class="hebrew">נָסַך</span>(<span class="accented">nasak</span>), in niph.; and it is found in <a href="/psalms/2-6.htm">Psalm 2:6</a>, "I have set my King upon my holy hill." Both here and there it has been translated "anointed," which would make a noteworthy reference to Christ. But there seems no proof that the word has this meaning. It signifies properly "to pour forth" (as of molten metal), then "to put down," "to appoint or establish." The versions recognize this. Thus the Septuagint, "he established (<span class="greek">ἐθεμελίωσε</span>) me;" Vulgate, <span class="accented">ordinata sum</span>; Aquila, <span class="greek">κατεστάθην</span>; Symmachus, <span class="greek">προεχείρισμαι</span>; Venetian, <span class="greek">κέχυμαι</span> (comp. Ecclus. 1:9). So what is here said is that Wisdom was from everlasting exalted as ruler and disposer of all things. To express eternal relation, three synonymous terms are used. From <span class="accented">everlasting</span>; <span class="greek">πρὸ τοῦ αἰῶνος</span>, Septuagint, as Delitzsch notes, points back to infinite distance. <span class="cmt_word">From the beginning;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> before the world was begun to be made; as St. John says (<a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1</a>), "In the beginning was the Word;" and Christ prays, "Glorify thou me with thine own self, with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" (<a href="/john/17-5.htm">John 17:5</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Or ever the earth was</span>. This looks to the most remote time after the actual creation, while the earth was being formed and adapted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/8-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">From everlasting</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֭עוֹלָם</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘ō·w·lām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5769.htm">Strong's 5769: </a> </span><span class="str2">Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I was established,</span><br /><span class="heb">נִסַּ֥כְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(nis·saḵ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5258.htm">Strong's 5258: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pour out, a libation, to cast, to anoint a, king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the beginning,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵרֹ֗אשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before the earth</span><br /><span class="heb">אָֽרֶץ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">began.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִקַּדְמֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(miq·qaḏ·mê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6924.htm">Strong's 6924: </a> </span><span class="str2">The front, of place, time</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/8-23.htm">Proverbs 8:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/8-23.htm">Proverbs 8:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/8-23.htm">Proverbs 8:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/8-23.htm">Proverbs 8:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/8-23.htm">Proverbs 8:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/8-23.htm">Proverbs 8:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/8-23.htm">Proverbs 8:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/8-23.htm">Proverbs 8:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/8-23.htm">Proverbs 8:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/8-23.htm">Proverbs 8:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/8-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:23 I was set up from everlasting (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 8:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 8:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/8-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 8:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 8:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>