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<!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 2:3 if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/2-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/20_Pro_02_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 2:3 - The Benefits of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding," /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.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/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, <i>and</i> liftest up thy voice for understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Yes, if you cry out for discernment, <i>And</i> lift up your voice for understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For if you cry out for insight, <i>And</i> raise your voice for understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For if you call out for understanding, Give your voice for discernment;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Yes, if you cry out for insight, And lift up your voice for understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Yea, if thou cry after discernment, And lift up thy voice for understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Beg as loud as you can for good common sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Yea, if thou cry after discernment, and lift up thy voice for understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />if indeed you call out for insight, if you ask aloud for understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Yes, beg for knowledge; plead for insight. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />if, indeed, you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />indeed, if you call out for discernment--raise your voice for understanding--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Yes, if you call out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Yes, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />yes, if you call out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For if you call for intelligence, "" [And] give forth your voice for intelligence,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For, if for intelligence thou callest, For understanding givest forth thy voice,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For if thou will call to understanding, wilt give thy voice to understanding.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For if thou shalt call for wisdom, and incline thy heart to prudence: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For if you would call upon wisdom and bend your heart to prudence,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Yes, if you call for intelligence, and to understanding raise your voice; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />if you indeed cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Yea, if you cry after knowledge and lift up your voice to understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And call to understanding and lift up your voice to intelligence<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Yea, if thou call for understanding, And lift up thy voice for discernment;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For it thou shalt call to wisdom, and utter thy voice for understanding;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/2-3.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=231" 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/2.htm">The Benefits of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">truly</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: ṯiq·rā (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">call out</a> <a href="/hebrew/998.htm" title="998: lab·bî·nāh (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- An understanding. From biyn; understanding.">to insight</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: tit·tên (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and lift</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: qō·w·le·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">your voice</a> <a href="/hebrew/8394.htm" title="8394: lat·tə·ḇū·nāh (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- An understanding. And tbuwnah; or towbunah; from biyn; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice.">to understanding,</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure,…<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="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a></span><br />Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/33-3.htm">Jeremiah 33:3</a></span><br />Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a></span><br />in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a></span><br />Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-9.htm">Luke 11:9-13</a></span><br />So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/28-12.htm">Job 28:12-28</a></span><br />But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. / The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ ...<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="/psalms/119-18.htm">Psalm 119:18</a></span><br />Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6</a></span><br />Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17</a></span><br />that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14-15</a></span><br />And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/25-4.htm">Psalm 25:4-5</a></span><br />Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. / Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Yes, if you cry after knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding;</p><p class="hdg">if</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Proverbs 3:6</a></b></br> In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-17.htm">Proverbs 8:17</a></b></br> I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a></b></br> Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? … </p><p class="hdg">liftest up thy voice </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Aloud</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-14.htm">Criest</a> <a href="/psalms/147-9.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Crying</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/psalms/145-15.htm">Givest</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm">Insight</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/psalms/143-8.htm">Lift</a> <a href="/psalms/123-1.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/psalms/116-2.htm">Request</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/8-3.htm">Aloud</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-13.htm">Criest</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-4.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">Crying</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-10.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-35.htm">Givest</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Insight</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">Lift</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-3.htm">Request</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-13.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">wisdom promises godliness to her children</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm">and safety from evil company</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-20.htm">and direction in good ways</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/2.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/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>if you truly call out to insight</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the earnestness and sincerity required in seeking wisdom. The act of calling out suggests a vocal, deliberate pursuit, indicating that wisdom is not passively received but actively sought. In the biblical context, calling out is often associated with prayer and supplication, as seen in <a href="/psalms/34-17.htm">Psalm 34:17</a>, where the righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them. This aligns with the cultural practice of seeking guidance from God through vocal prayer, a common practice in ancient Israel. Insight, in this context, refers to a deep understanding or discernment, which is a gift from God (<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>). The pursuit of insight is a recurring theme in Proverbs, highlighting the value placed on wisdom in the Hebrew tradition.<p><b>and lift your voice to understanding,</b><br>Lifting one's voice implies an elevation of effort and intensity in the quest for understanding. This phrase suggests a proactive and passionate approach to gaining knowledge, akin to the fervor seen in the Psalms, where lifting one's voice is often associated with worship and earnest petition (<a href="/psalms/141-2.htm">Psalm 141:2</a>). Understanding here is more than intellectual knowledge; it is a comprehensive grasp of God's will and ways, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>, where trust in the Lord leads to a straight path. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed high value on oral tradition and the spoken word, making the act of lifting one's voice a powerful expression of desire for divine wisdom. This pursuit of understanding is also a reflection of the believer's relationship with God, echoing the call to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (<a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings in Proverbs are intended to impart wisdom and understanding to the reader.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The original audience of the Proverbs, the people of Israel were encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding as part of their covenant relationship with God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>- Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes books like Job and Ecclesiastes. These writings focus on practical and philosophical aspects of life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_wisdom.htm">The Pursuit of Wisdom</a></b><br>Seeking wisdom requires intentional effort. Just as Solomon advises calling out and lifting up one's voice, believers are encouraged to actively pursue understanding through prayer and study.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer.htm">The Role of Prayer</a></b><br>Prayer is a vital component in the pursuit of wisdom. By lifting up our voices to God, we acknowledge our dependence on Him for true understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_understanding.htm">The Value of Understanding</a></b><br>Understanding is not just intellectual knowledge but involves discerning God's will and applying His truths to our lives. This requires a heart open to learning and growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_engagement_with_scripture.htm">Active Engagement with Scripture</a></b><br>Engaging with the Bible is essential for gaining insight. Regular study and meditation on God's Word help us to align our thoughts with His wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_counsel.htm">Community and Counsel</a></b><br>Seeking wisdom is not a solitary endeavor. Engaging with a community of believers and seeking godly counsel can provide additional insight and understanding.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_biblical_proverb.htm">What defines a biblical proverb?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/source_of_true_wisdom.htm">What is the true source of wisdom and understanding?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_tim_6_3-5_view_open_inquiry.htm">How does 1 Timothy 6:3–5 reconcile its condemnation of “false teachers” with the importance of open inquiry and critical thinking? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_faith_contradictory_to_reason.htm">Is faith inherently contradictory to reason?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Yea, if thou criest after knowledge.</span> The endeavour after Wisdom is not only to be sincere, it is also to be earnest, as appears from the "yea, if," and the verbs "crying" and "lifting up the voice," both of which frequently occur in Scripture as indicating earnestness. This earnestness is the counterpart of that which Wisdom herself displays (see <a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20, 21</a>). <span class="accented">Knowledge</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> insight. In the original there is practically little difference between "knowledge" and "understanding" (<span class="hebrew">בִּינָה</span> and <span class="hebrew">תְּבוּנָה</span>). They carry on the idea expressed in "understanding" in the preceding verse, and thus throw the emphasis on the verbs. The LXX. and Vulgate, however, take "knowledge" as equivalent to <span class="greek">σοφία</span>, <span class="accented">sapientia</span>, "wisdom." The reading of the Targum, "If thou tallest understanding thy mother," arises from reading <span class="hebrew">אִם</span> for <span class="hebrew">אֵם</span>, but is not to be preferred to the Masoretic text, as it destroys the parallelism. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/2-3.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">if you</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(’im)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">truly</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</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">call out</span><br /><span class="heb">תִקְרָ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to insight</span><br /><span class="heb">לַבִּינָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(lab·bî·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_998.htm">Strong's 998: </a> </span><span class="str2">An understanding</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and lift</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּתֵּ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(tit·tên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your voice</span><br /><span class="heb">קוֹלֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(qō·w·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to understanding,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַ֝תְּבוּנָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(lat·tə·ḇū·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8394.htm">Strong's 8394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, an argument, caprice</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/2-3.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:3 Yes if you call out for discernment (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 2:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 2:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/2-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 2:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 2:4" /></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>