Lexical Summary livyah: Garland, wreath, adornment Original Word: לִוְיָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance something attached, a wreath From lavah; something attached, i.e. A wreath: see HEBREW lavah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a wreath NASB Translation garland (1), wreath (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [לִוְיָה] noun feminine wreath; — construct לִוְיַת חֵן only figurative Proverbs 1:9 ("" עֲנָקִים) of instruction of parents, Proverbs 4:9 ("" עֲטֶרֶת תִּפְאֶרֶת) of work of Wisdom. Topical Lexicon Definition and Imagery Lîw·yāh portrays a “wreath,” “garland,” or “adornment” placed upon the head or around the neck. In Hebrew thought the wreath is not a mere decoration; it is a tangible emblem of honor, festivity, victory, or filial devotion. The imagery anticipates later biblical themes of crowning and reward, depicting wisdom as a gracious bestower of dignity upon those who embrace her. Occurrences in Scripture Proverbs 1:9: “For they are a garland (lîw·yāh) of grace on your head and a pendant on your neck.” Proverbs 4:9: “She will set a garland (lîw·yāh) of grace on your head; she will give you a crown of glory.” Both uses appear in instructional contexts, highlighting the blessing attached to receiving parental instruction (chapter 1) and pursuing wisdom itself (chapter 4). Cultural and Historical Context In the Ancient Near East, wreaths of flowers, leafy branches, or precious metals were worn at festivals, weddings, military celebrations, and royal ceremonies. Within Israel, priests were commanded to wear an ornate headpiece (Exodus 28:36–38), and Nazirites could not defile the “crown” upon their heads (Numbers 6:7). Lîw·yāh belongs to this broader symbolic vocabulary, evoking communal memories of joyful occasions and honorable achievements. By appropriating such imagery, the sages of Proverbs root their exhortations in familiar cultural experiences, thereby encouraging covenant faithfulness through vivid, everyday pictures. Theological Significance 1. Grace Received, Not Earned: Proverbs 1:9 attributes the garland to obedient children, underscoring that honor flows from heeding godly counsel rather than from social status or self-promotion. Applications for Ministry • Family Instruction: Parents and mentors may present Scripture’s wisdom as a beautiful adornment, helping children see obedience not as a burden but as a source of honor. Summary Lîw·yāh encapsulates the promise that those who treasure godly instruction receive lasting honor. Rooted in ancient ceremonial practice and carried forward into the language of eternal reward, the garland stands as a vivid invitation to walk in wisdom, confident that such a path both beautifies the present life and anticipates the glory to come. Forms and Transliterations לִוְיַ֤ת לִוְיַת־ לוית לוית־ livYat liw·yaṯ liw·yaṯ- liwyaṯ liwyaṯ-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 1:9 HEB: כִּ֤י ׀ לִוְיַ֤ת חֵ֓ן הֵ֬ם NAS: they are a graceful wreath to your head KJV: For they [shall be] an ornament of grace INT: Indeed wreath graceful like Proverbs 4:9 2 Occurrences |
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