She is a tree of life
The phrase "tree of life" is deeply rooted in biblical imagery, first appearing in Genesis as a symbol of eternal life and divine wisdom. In Hebrew, the term "etz chayim" (עֵץ חַיִּים) conveys not only physical vitality but also spiritual nourishment and eternal wisdom. The "tree of life" here refers to wisdom, personified as a woman, offering sustenance and growth to those who seek her. This imagery suggests that wisdom is not merely an abstract concept but a source of life and vitality, akin to the life-giving trees in the Garden of Eden. Historically, trees have been symbols of life and prosperity in many cultures, and in the biblical context, they represent God's provision and the flourishing of those who live in accordance with His will.

to those who embrace her
The act of embracing wisdom is an intimate and deliberate choice, indicating a deep commitment and affection. The Hebrew word "tamak" (תָּמַךְ) implies holding fast or supporting, suggesting that wisdom requires an active and ongoing relationship. Embracing wisdom is not a passive act but a conscious decision to prioritize God's understanding over human insight. This phrase encourages believers to actively seek and cherish wisdom, recognizing it as a precious gift from God that requires dedication and love.

and those who lay hold of her
"Laying hold" of wisdom implies a firm grasp and a determined effort to retain it. The Hebrew verb "chazaq" (חָזַק) means to strengthen or take hold of, indicating that acquiring wisdom involves strength and perseverance. This phrase underscores the importance of not only seeking wisdom but also maintaining it through life's challenges. It suggests that wisdom is something to be actively pursued and held onto, reflecting a commitment to living a life guided by divine principles.

are blessed
The state of being "blessed" in this context refers to experiencing God's favor and the resulting peace and prosperity. The Hebrew word "ashar" (אָשַׁר) conveys happiness and fulfillment that come from living in alignment with God's wisdom. This blessing is not merely material but encompasses spiritual well-being and contentment. The verse assures believers that those who earnestly seek and adhere to wisdom will find themselves enriched and fulfilled, enjoying the abundant life that God promises to those who follow His ways. This blessing is a testament to the transformative power of wisdom in the life of a believer, leading to a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful existence.

(18) A tree of life.--Evidently an allusion to Genesis 2, 3. No mention is made of it except in Proverbs (Proverbs 11:30; Proverbs 13:12; Proverbs 15:4) and Revelation (Proverbs 2:7; Proverbs 22:2).

Verse 18. - A tree of life (ets-khayyim); Vulgate, lignum vitae; LXX., ξύλον ζωῆς. This expression obviously refers to "the tree of life" (ets-hakayyim), which was placed in the midst of the garden of Eden, and conferred immortality on those who ate of its fruit (Genisis 2:9; 3:22). So Wisdom becomes equally life giving to those who lay hold on her, who taste of her fruit. She communicates life in its manifold fulness and richness (so the plural "lives" indicates) to those who seize her firmly. What is predicated of Wisdom here is predicated in other passages (Proverbs 11:30; Proverbs 13:12; Proverbs 15:4) of the fruit of the righteous, the fulfilment of desire, and a wholesome tongue. Each of these, the teacher says, is "a tree of life." Elster denies that there is any reference to "the tree of life," and classes the expression among those other figurative expressions - a "fountain of life," in Proverbs 13:4 and Proverbs 14:27, and a "well of life." in Proverbs 10:11; but if it be once admitted that there is such a reference, and it be remembered also that Wisdom is the same as "the fear of the Lord," the point insisted on in the Proverbs and in Job, it seems difficult to deny that the teacher has in view the blessed immortality of which the tree of life in Paradise as the symbol. In this higher sense the term is used in the Revelation (Revelation 2:7; Revelation 22:2, 14). Wisdom restores to her worshippers the life which was lost in Adam (Cartwright). It is remarkable that the imagery here employed is confined to these two hooks. After the historical record in Genesis, no other sacred writers refer to the tree of life. Old ecclesiastical writers saw in the expression a reference to Christ's redeeming work. "The tree of life is the cross of Christ," lignum vitae crux Christi (quoted by Delitzsch). The symbol, Plumptre remarks, entered largely into the religious imagery of Assyria, Egypt, and Persia. To them that lay hold upon (lam-makhazikim, hiph. participle); Vulgate, his, qui apprehenderint; LXX., τοῖς ἀντεχομένοις. The Hebrew verb חָזַק (khazak), "to tie fast," is in hiph. with בְּ (b)," to take hold of," "to seize any one." Happy is every one that retaineth her. In the original, the participle, "they retaining her" (tom'keyah), is plural, and the predicate, "happy" or "blessed" (m'ushshar), is singular. The latter is used distributively, and the construction is common (cf. Proverbs 15:22). The Authorized Version aptly renders the original. The necessity for "retaining" as well as "laying hold" of Wisdom is pointed out. The verb תָּמַך (tamak) is "to hold fast something taken." Such will be blessed who hold Wisdom tenaciously and perseveringly.

Parallel Commentaries ...


She
הִ֭יא (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is a tree
עֵץ־ (‘êṣ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

of life
חַיִּ֣ים (ḥay·yîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

to those who embrace her,
לַמַּחֲזִיקִ֣ים (lam·ma·ḥă·zî·qîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

and those who lay hold of her
וְֽתֹמְכֶ֥יהָ (wə·ṯō·mə·ḵe·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8551: To sustain, to obtain, keep fast, to help, follow close

are blessed.
מְאֻשָּֽׁר׃ (mə·’uš·šār)
Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 833: To be straight, to go forward, be honest, proper


Proverbs 3:18 NIV
Proverbs 3:18 NLT
Proverbs 3:18 ESV
Proverbs 3:18 NASB
Proverbs 3:18 KJV

Proverbs 3:18 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 3:18 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 3:18 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 3:18 French Bible
Proverbs 3:18 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:18 She is a tree of life to (Prov. Pro Pr)