then you will discern
The phrase "then you will discern" implies a conditional result based on prior actions or attitudes. In the Hebrew text, the word for "discern" is "בִּין" (bin), which means to understand or perceive. This suggests a deep, insightful comprehension that goes beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment. In the context of Proverbs, discernment is often linked to wisdom, which is a gift from God. It is not just about acquiring information but about understanding life from God's perspective. This discernment is a result of seeking wisdom diligently, as described in the preceding verses.

the fear of the LORD
"The fear of the LORD" is a central theme in Proverbs and throughout the Bible. The Hebrew word for "fear" is "יִרְאָה" (yirah), which encompasses reverence, awe, and respect. It is not a fear that paralyzes but one that inspires obedience and worship. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fear of a deity was common, but the biblical concept is unique in its relational aspect. It is about recognizing God's holiness, sovereignty, and love, leading to a life of devotion and moral integrity. This fear is foundational to wisdom, as it aligns one's heart with God's will.

and discover
The word "discover" in Hebrew is "מָצָא" (matsa), meaning to find or attain. It implies an active pursuit and a rewarding outcome. In the biblical sense, discovering is often associated with divine revelation and insight. It suggests that the knowledge of God is not hidden from those who earnestly seek it. This discovery is a process, a journey of growing in understanding and relationship with God. It is both a gift and a pursuit, requiring diligence and openness to God's leading.

the knowledge of God
"The knowledge of God" refers to an intimate, experiential understanding of God's character, will, and ways. The Hebrew word "דַּעַת" (da'at) signifies knowledge that is relational and transformative. It is not merely factual but involves a personal relationship with God. In the biblical narrative, knowing God is the ultimate goal of human existence, as it brings life, purpose, and fulfillment. This knowledge is revealed through Scripture, creation, and the person of Jesus Christ. It is a knowledge that transforms the heart and mind, leading to a life that reflects God's wisdom and love.

(5) Find the knowledge of God.--It is the highest of all gifts, even eternal life itself, to know God, the Giver of all good things. It was to bestow this knowledge upon man that Christ came into the world (John 17:3). He promises (Proverbs 14:21) the manifestation of Himself as the reward of obedience and love. And yet our highest knowledge of God in this life must be so imperfect, in comparison with the knowledge of Him hereafter, when we shall see Him "face to face" (1Corinthians 13:12), that St. Paul. (Galatians 4:9) describes our relation to Him now as better expressed by "being known of Him:" i.e., recognised, acknowledged by Him as His children, rather than by "knowing" Him.

Verse 5. - Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord. Then (אָן), introducing the first apodosis, and answering to the conditional "if" of vers. 1, 3, 4. The earnest endeavour after Wisdom meets with its reward, and those that seek shall find (cf. Matthew 7:7): and thus an inducement is held forth to listen to the admonition of the teacher. Understand implies the power of discernment, but Zockler gives it the further moaning of taking to one's self as a spiritual possession, just as "find" meaning primarily "to arrive at" conveys the idea of getting possession of (Mercerus). The fear of the Lord (יְרְאַת יְחוָה, yir'ath y'hovah); "the fear of Jehovah," as in Proverbs 1:7. As it is the beginning, so it is the highest form of knowledge and the greatest good. Elsewhere it is represented as a fountain of life (Proverbs 15:27). All true wisdom is summed up in "the fear of the Lord." It here means the reverence due to him, and so comprises the whole range of the religious affections and feelings, which respond to various attributes of the Divine character as they are revealed, and which find their expression in holy worship. The knowledge of God (דַעַת ךאלֹהִים, daath Elohim); literally, the knowledge of Elohim. Not merely cognition, but knowledge in its wider sense. The two ideas of "the fear of the Lord" and "the knowledge of God" act reciprocally on each other. Just as without reverence of God there can be no knowledge of him in its true sense, so the knowledge of God will increase and deepen the feeling of reverence. But it is noticeable that the teacher here, as in Proverbs 9:10, where, however, it is "the knowledge of the holy" (דַעַת קְדשִׁים, daath k'doshim), gives the chief place to reverence, and thus indicates that it is the basis of knowledge, which is its fruit and result. The relation here suggested is analogous to that which subsists between faith and knowledge, and recalls the celebrated dictum of Anselm: "Neque enim quaero intelligere ut credam; sed credo, ut intelligam." Elohim, here interchanged with Jehovah, is not of frequent occurrence in the Proverbs, as it is only found therein five times, while the predominating word which is used to designate the Deity is Jehovah. But it is difficult to draw any distinction between them here. Jehovah may refer more especially to the Personality of the Divine nature, while Elohim may refer to Christ's glory (Plumptre). Bishop Wordsworth thinks that a distinction is made between the knowledge of Elohim and the knowledge of man which is of little worth.

Parallel Commentaries ...


then
אָ֗ז (’āz)
Adverb
Strong's 227: At that time, place, therefore

you will discern
תָּ֭בִין (tā·ḇîn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

the fear
יִרְאַ֣ת (yir·’aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374: Fear, reverence

of the LORD
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and discover
תִּמְצָֽא׃ (tim·ṣā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

the knowledge
וְדַ֖עַת (wə·ḏa·‘aṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1847: Knowledge

of God.
אֱלֹהִ֣ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:5 Then you will understand the fear (Prov. Pro Pr)