for they will add
The phrase "for they will add" suggests an increase or multiplication. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "yospu," derived from the root "yasaph," meaning to add or increase. This implies that adherence to the teachings and wisdom of God, as outlined in the preceding verses, results in tangible benefits. The concept of addition here is not merely quantitative but qualitative, enhancing the overall quality of life.

length to your days
The term "length" in Hebrew is "orekh," which conveys the idea of prolongation or extension. "Days" refers to the daily experiences and the span of one's life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a long life was considered a sign of divine favor and blessing. This promise of extended days is contingent upon living in accordance with divine wisdom, suggesting that a life aligned with God's principles is not only longer but also more fulfilling.

years
The word "years" in Hebrew is "shanim," which emphasizes the passage of time. In biblical literature, years often symbolize significant periods marked by growth, learning, and maturity. The promise of additional years underscores the idea that wisdom leads to a life rich in experiences and opportunities for spiritual and personal development.

and peace
"Peace" is translated from the Hebrew word "shalom," a term that encompasses wholeness, health, prosperity, and tranquility. Shalom is more than the absence of conflict; it is the presence of God's order and blessing. In the biblical worldview, peace is a gift from God, resulting from living in harmony with His will. This peace is both internal, affecting the heart and mind, and external, influencing relationships and circumstances.

to your life
The phrase "to your life" refers to the entirety of one's existence. In Hebrew, "life" is "chayim," which signifies not just physical life but also spiritual vitality and well-being. The promise here is that wisdom and obedience to God's commandments enrich every aspect of life, providing not only longevity but also depth and meaning. This holistic view of life reflects the biblical understanding that true life is found in relationship with God and alignment with His purposes.

III.

(d) Fourth Discourse:--Exhortation to Various Virtues (Pro iii 1-18).

(2) Long life.--That is, a life worth living, fit to be called "life"; whereas" length of days" only implies extension of life, the reward promised for obedience to parents.

Verse 2. - Length of days (orek yamim); Vulgate, longitudo dierum. The expression is literally "extension of days," and signifies the prolongation of life, its duration to the appointed limit - a meaning which is brought out in the LXX. μῆκος βίου, "length of days," the Greek word βίος being used, not of existence, but of the time and course of life. It occurs again in ver. 16, and also in Job 12:12 and Psalm 21:4. "Length of days" is represented as a blessing in the Old Testament, depending, however, as in the present instance, on the fulfilment of certain conditions. Thus in the fifth commandment it is appended to the honouring of parents (Exodus 20:12), and it was promised to Solomon, at Gibeon, on the condition that he walked in the way, statutes, and commandments of God (1 Kings 3:14). The promise of prolongation of life is not to be pressed historically as applying to every individual case, but is to be taken as indicating the tendency of keeping the Divine precepts, which, as a rule, ensure preservation of health, and hence "length of days." Long life (vush'noth khayyim); literally, years of life; Targum Jonathan, Vulgate, Syriac, and Arabic, anni vitae; LXX., ἔτη ζωῆς. The Authorized Version scarcely serves to bring out the sense of the original, as there is practically no difference in meaning between "length of days" and "long life? The idea conveyed in the expression, "years of life," is that of material prosperity. The thought of an extended life is carried on from the preceding expression, but it is amplified and described. The years of life will be many, but they will be years of life in its truest sense, as one of true happiness and enjoyment, free from distracting cares, sickness, and other drawbacks. The Hebrew plural, khayyim, "lives," is equivalent to the Greek expression, βίος βιωτός, "a life worth while living" (cf. Plat., 'Apol.,' 38, A). To the Israelitish mind, the happiness of life consisted in "dwelling in the land" (Deuteronomy 4:40; Deuteronomy 5:30, etc.), and "abiding in the house of the Lord" (Psalm 15:1; Psalm 23:6; Psalm 27:3) (Zockler). The conjecture that the plural, khayyim, signifies the present and the future life, is unfounded. The scope of the promise before us is confined to the present stage of existence, and it is negatived also by the similar use of the plural in Proverbs 16:5, "In the light of the king's countenance is life (khayyim)," where khayyim cannot possibly refer to the future life. Khayyim stands for life in its fulness. "Godliness" has indeed, as St. Paul wrote to Timothy, "promise of the life that now is, aud of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:8). Peace (shalom). The verb shalam, from which the substantive shalom is derived, signifies "to be whole, sound, safe," and hence "peace" means internal and external contentment, and tran-quillity of mind arising from the sense of safety. In ver. 17 the ways of Wisdom are designated peace. While, on the one hand, peace is represented by the psalmist as the possession of those who love God's Law (Psalm 119:165), on the other, it is denied the wicked (Isaiah 48:22; Isaiah 57:21). Shall they add to thee; i.e. shall the precepts and commands bring (Zockler) or heap upon (Muffet) thee.

Parallel Commentaries ...


for
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they will add
יוֹסִ֥יפוּ (yō·w·sî·p̄ū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3254: To add, augment

length
אֹ֣רֶךְ (’ō·reḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 753: Length

to your
לָֽךְ׃ (lāḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew

days,
יָ֭מִים (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

years
וּשְׁנ֣וֹת (ū·šə·nō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 8141: A year

and peace
וְ֝שָׁל֗וֹם (wə·šā·lō·wm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace

to your life.
חַיִּ֑ים (ḥay·yîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life


Proverbs 3:2 NIV
Proverbs 3:2 NLT
Proverbs 3:2 ESV
Proverbs 3:2 NASB
Proverbs 3:2 KJV

Proverbs 3:2 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 3:2 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 3:2 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 3:2 French Bible
Proverbs 3:2 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:2 For length of days and years (Prov. Pro Pr)