CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 4:3 When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/20_Pro_04_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 4:3 - A Father's Instruction" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/4-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/4-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/4-2.htm" title="Proverbs 4:2">◄</a> Proverbs 4:3 <a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm" title="Proverbs 4:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.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/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For I was my father's son, tender and only <i>beloved</i> in the sight of my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When I was my father’s son, Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son before my mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When I was a son with my father (David), Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother (Bathsheba),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I was a son with my father, tender and precious to my mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I was a son with my father, tender and precious to my mother, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For I was a son unto my father, Tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When I was still very young and my mother's favorite child, my father <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For I was a son unto my father, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When I was a boy [learning] from my father, when I was a tender and only child of my mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When I was only a little boy, my parents' only son, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When I was a son to my father, not yet strong and an only son to my mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When I was a son to my father, a tender only child before my mother, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For I was a son to my father, tender and an only child in the sight of my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For I was a son to my father, tender and an only child in the sight of my mother. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For I have been a son to my father—tender, "" And an only one before my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For, a son I have been to my father -- tender, And an only one before my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For I was son to my father; tender and only before the face of my mother.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For I also was my father's son, tender and as an only son in the sight of my mother: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For I, too, was the son of my father, tender and an only son in the sight of my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When I was my father’s child, tender, the darling of my mother, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When I was a son with my father, tender, and my mother’s favorite,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For I was also a son to my father, tender and the only begotten in the sight of my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />For I have been a delightful son to my father and an only child in the presence of my mother.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For I was a son unto my father, Tender and an only one in the sight of my mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For I also was a son obedient to <i>my</i> father, and loved in the sight of <i>my</i> mother:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/4-3.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=588" 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/4.htm">A Father's Instruction</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">When</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">I was</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇên (N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">a son</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: lə·’ā·ḇî (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">to my father,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7390.htm" title="7390: raḵ (Adj-ms) -- Tender, delicate, soft. From rakak; tender; by implication, weak.">tender</a> <a href="/hebrew/3173.htm" title="3173: wə·yā·ḥîḏ (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Only, only one, solitary. From yachad; properly, united, i.e. Sole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; the life.">and the only child</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/517.htm" title="517: ’im·mî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- A mother. A primitive word; a mother; in a wide sense (like 'ab).">my mother,</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.…<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="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a></span><br />These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Ephesians 6:1-4</a></span><br />Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. / “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), / “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Colossians 3:20-21</a></span><br />Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. / Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a></span><br />Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-5.htm">2 Timothy 1:5</a></span><br />I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-5.htm">Psalm 78:5-6</a></span><br />For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-1.htm">1 Kings 2:1-3</a></span><br />As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon, / “I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man. / And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-14.htm">2 Timothy 3:14-15</a></span><br />But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. / From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a></span><br />For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-51.htm">Luke 2:51-52</a></span><br />Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. / And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Proverbs 1:8-9</a></span><br />Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. / For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-26.htm">1 Samuel 2:26</a></span><br />And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/22-3.htm">2 Chronicles 22:3-4</a></span><br />Ahaziah also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in wickedness. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for to his destruction they were his counselors after the death of his father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Hebrews 12:9-10</a></span><br />Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? / Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/38-19.htm">Isaiah 38:19</a></span><br />The living, only the living, can thank You, as I do today; fathers will tell their children about Your faithfulness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/12-24.htm">2 Samuel 12:24,25</a></b></br> And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/1-13.htm">1 Kings 1:13-17</a></b></br> Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/3-5.htm">1 Chronicles 3:5</a></b></br> And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/127-2.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/job/3-3.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/psalms/146-9.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/psalms/119-77.htm">Gentle</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-33.htm">House</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/psalms/145-9.htm">Tender</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/1-1.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-16.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-20.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm">Gentle</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-8.htm">House</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-20.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm">Tender</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">persuades to wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">and to show wickedness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">He exhorts to sanctification</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When I was a son to my father</b><br>This phrase reflects the personal experience of Solomon, traditionally considered the author of Proverbs. It highlights the importance of parental instruction in ancient Israelite culture, where wisdom and knowledge were often passed down through family lines. The father-son relationship is central in biblical teaching, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a>, where parents are instructed to teach God's commandments to their children. This phrase also echoes the relationship between God the Father and Jesus, the Son, emphasizing the divine model of instruction and obedience.<p><b>tender</b><br>The term "tender" suggests a time of vulnerability and impressionability in youth. It indicates a period when a child is most open to learning and being shaped by parental guidance. In biblical times, childhood was seen as a critical phase for instilling values and wisdom, as reflected in <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a>, which advises training a child in the way they should go. The tenderness of youth is also a metaphor for spiritual receptivity, as seen in Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3</a>, where He calls for a childlike faith.<p><b>and the only child of my mother</b><br>This phrase underscores the unique and cherished position of Solomon in his family, being the only child of Bathsheba at the time. It highlights the special attention and care given to him, which would have included a focused impartation of wisdom and instruction. The mention of the mother is significant, as mothers played a crucial role in the upbringing and education of children in ancient Israel. This phrase can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is described as the "only begotten Son" of the Father in <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>, emphasizing His unique and beloved status.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>The author of Proverbs, traditionally believed to be King Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba. He is known for his wisdom, which he attributes to the teachings of his father.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Solomon's father, the second king of Israel, known for his heart for God and his psalms. He played a significant role in Solomon's upbringing and spiritual education.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/bathsheba.htm">Bathsheba</a></b><br>Solomon's mother, who was originally the wife of Uriah. Her relationship with David and her role as Solomon's mother are significant in biblical history.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation over which Solomon reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel during Solomon's time is essential for understanding the wisdom literature.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_royal_household.htm">The Royal Household</a></b><br>The setting in which Solomon was raised, providing him with unique opportunities for learning and leadership.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_parental_guidance.htm">The Importance of Parental Guidance</a></b><br>Parents play a crucial role in imparting wisdom and spiritual values to their children. Solomon's reflection on his father's teachings underscores the lifelong impact of parental instruction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_tenderness_in_learning.htm">The Value of Tenderness in Learning</a></b><br>The term "tender" suggests a state of openness and receptivity. As believers, maintaining a tender heart towards God's wisdom is essential for spiritual growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/uniqueness_and_individual_attention.htm">Uniqueness and Individual Attention</a></b><br>Being the "only child" highlights the unique and personal attention Solomon received. In our spiritual journey, God provides individual guidance and care.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faith.htm">Legacy of Faith</a></b><br>Just as Solomon received wisdom from David, believers are called to pass on their faith and knowledge of God to the next generation, ensuring a legacy of faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_our_spiritual_heritage.htm">Reflecting on Our Spiritual Heritage</a></b><br>Reflect on the spiritual teachings and influences in your life. How have they shaped your faith journey, and how can you continue to build on that foundation?<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_rebellious_kids.htm">What does the Bible say about rebellious children?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_the_trinity.htm">What is the Bible's teaching on the Trinity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_4_1_ignore_bad_guidance.htm">Does the call to heed a father’s instruction in Proverbs 4:1 ignore the possibility of flawed or harmful parental guidance? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_trinity_visible_in_heaven.htm">Is the Trinity visible in heaven?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">For I</span> <span class= "bld">was </span>. . . <span class= "bld">son </span>. . .--It is not only his own advice that he has to offer; he can tell his disciples of the excellent discipline and teaching he received from his parents in his old home. It may be remarked that the notices of Solomon's early years which occur in this and the following verses harmonise well with what we know of him from the historical books of the Bible.<p><span class= "bld">Tender.--</span>The epithet applied to Solomon by his father (<a href="/1_chronicles/29-1.htm" title="Furthermore David the king said to all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.">1Chronicles 29:1</a>).<p><span class= "bld">Only beloved.</span>--The word <span class= "ital">y?chid </span>originally signified an "only" (son), as in <a href="/zechariah/12-10.htm" title="And I will pour on the house of David, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look on me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.">Zechariah 12:10</a>. Then it came to mean "beloved as an only son," and that appears to be the sense of it in <a href="/genesis/22-2.htm" title="And he said, Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and get you into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you of.">Genesis 22:2</a>, as applied to Isaac (for Ishmael was then living), and to Solomon here (for Bath-sheba had other children by David, <a href="/1_chronicles/3-5.htm" title="And these were born to him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:">1Chronicles 3:5</a>). In Greek translations it is rendered "only-begotten" and "well-beloved," epithets applied in their highest sense to Christ (<a href="/john/1-14.htm" title="And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.">John 1:14</a>; <a href="/matthew/3-17.htm" title="And see a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.">Matthew 3:17</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For I was my father's son.</span> This is more than the mere statement of a physical fact. It indicates that the teacher was in the highest degree an object of endearment to his father, just as he states in the second hemistich that he held a unique position in the affection of his mother. `The statement agrees with the historical record. Solomon would be more than ordinarily dear to his father, as being a child of promise, as "the beloved of the Lord," and as the son whom the Divine will had pointed as the successor to his throne, and the one on whom was to devolve the building of the temple (see <a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">2 Samuel 7:12, 13</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/12-24.htm">2 Samuel 12:24</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/22-9.htm">1 Chronicles 22:9</a>). Bertheau explains, "I also once stood in the relation to my (actual) father in which you stand to me your paternal instructor," thus giving prominence rather to the consecution of the passage, and preparing the way for the reception of the father's advice which is to follow. But this rather loses sight of what appears an important element in the instruction, that not only was it "good," but that it was dictated by affection. The writer is fortifying and strengthening his instruction by the authority of his father, showing that what he was laying before others he had had placed before him; and as <span class="accented">his</span> father's advice was the outcome of affection, so he addresses his hearers in the same spirit. Dathe and others connect "tender" <span class="accented">rak</span>) with "son" (<span class="accented">ben</span>), and render, "I was a son dear to my father." So the LXX., which, however, understands "tender" in the sense of "tractable," "obedient:" "For I was an obedient son to my father" - a meaning which the word <span class="accented">rak</span> can only bear as indicating the susceptibility of the young to receive impressions. In general, <span class="accented">rak</span> means "tender," "soft," and has reference to the weakness and helplessness of the young; comp. <a href="/genesis/33-13.htm">Genesis 33:13</a>, "My lord knoweth that the children are tender (<span class="accented">rakkim</span>)." Combined with <span class="accented">yakhid</span>, which follows, it signifies, in the passage before us, that the teacher was an object of tender care or love. The Vulgate <span class="accented">tenellus</span>, the diminutive of <span class="accented">tener</span>, as signifying "somewhat tender or delicate," reproduces the idea of the Hebrew <span class="accented">rak.</span> In the word the teacher recalls his early lifo and the instruction in wisdom which he received in it. <span class="cmt_word">Only beloved;</span> literally, <span class="accented">only</span> (<span class="accented">yakhid</span>), as "beloved" does not occur in the original. The Vulgate renders, <span class="accented">unigenitus</span>; Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion, <span class="greek">μονογενής</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "only begotten:" but this was not literally the fact, as Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, had other sons (<a href="/2_samuel/5-14.htm">2 Samuel 5:14</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/3-5.htm">1 Chronicles 3:5</a>). Both the Hebrew <span class="accented">yakhid</span>, "only," and the Vulgate <span class="accented">unigenitus</span>, "only begotten," consequently signify what is expressed by the LXX. <span class="greek">ἀγαπώμενος</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "beloved." Solomon was so beloved of his mother as if he were an only child. So <span class="accented">yakhid</span> is used of Isaac in <a href="/genesis/22-2.htm">Genesis 22:2, 12</a> in the same way, since at the time that Isaac was so designated, Ishmael, the other son of Abraham, was still living. The word <span class="accented">yakhid</span> occurs in <a href="/psalms/22-20.htm">Psalm 22:20</a>, where it is rendered "darling," and may possibly refer to Solomon. Jennings, in <a href="/psalms/22-20.htm">Psalm 22:20</a>, understands it, however, of the life besides which the psalmist has no other - <span class="accented">unicam meam, as</span> the Vulgate, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "his only life" (cf. <a href="/psalms/35-17.htm">Psalm 35:17</a>; and for the word <span class="accented">yakhid</span>, see <a href="/jeremiah/5-26.htm">Jeremiah 5:26</a>; <a href="/amos/8-10.htm">Amos 8:10</a>; <a href="/zechariah/12-10.htm">Zechariah 12:10</a>). <span class="cmt_word">In the sight of my mother</span> (<span class="accented">liph'ne immi</span>); literally, <span class="accented">ad facies matris meae</span>, or, <span class="accented">before my mother</span>; Vulgate, <span class="accented">coram matre mea, i.e.</span> in her estimation (cf. <a href="/genesis/17-18.htm">Genesis 17:18</a>). The mention of the mother is probably introduced here for the sake of poetic parallelism; cf. <a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Proverbs 1:8</a> (Zockler). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/4-3.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">When</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I was</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיִ֣יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵ֭ן</span> <span class="translit">(ḇên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to my father,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאָבִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ā·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tender</span><br /><span class="heb">רַ֥ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(raḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7390.htm">Strong's 7390: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tender, delicate, soft</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the only child</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝יָחִ֗יד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yā·ḥîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> </span><span class="str2">United, sole, beloved, lonely, the life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my mother,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִמִּֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’im·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_517.htm">Strong's 517: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mother, )</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/4-3.htm">Proverbs 4:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4-3.htm">Proverbs 4:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/4-3.htm">Proverbs 4:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4-3.htm">Proverbs 4:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4-3.htm">Proverbs 4:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/4-3.htm">Proverbs 4:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/4-3.htm">Proverbs 4:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/4-3.htm">Proverbs 4:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/4-3.htm">Proverbs 4:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/4-3.htm">Proverbs 4:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/4-3.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:3 For I was a son to my (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/4-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 4:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 4:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:4" /></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>