This will bring
The phrase "this will bring" indicates a direct consequence or result of the actions or attitudes previously mentioned in the preceding verses. In the context of Proverbs 3, the preceding verses emphasize trusting in the Lord, acknowledging Him, and turning away from evil. The Hebrew root for "bring" (יָבוֹא, yavo) suggests an arrival or coming into a state of being. This implies that the benefits described are not merely potential but assured outcomes of living in accordance with divine wisdom.

healing to your body
The word "healing" comes from the Hebrew root "רִפְאוּת" (riph'ut), which conveys the idea of restoration and cure. In ancient Israel, health was seen as a blessing from God, and the concept of healing extended beyond physical wellness to include spiritual and emotional wholeness. The "body" (שָׁרֶךָ, sharekha) refers to the navel or the central part of the body, symbolizing the core of one's physical being. This suggests that divine wisdom and obedience to God's commands bring comprehensive health and vitality.

and refreshment to your bones
The term "refreshment" is derived from the Hebrew word "שִׁקוּי" (shiqquy), which means to drink or to be saturated. It implies a sense of invigoration and renewal. The "bones" (עֲצָמוֹתֶיךָ, atzamotekha) are often used metaphorically in Scripture to represent strength and the very essence of life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bones were considered the framework of the body, essential for movement and support. Thus, the promise of refreshment to the bones signifies a deep, foundational rejuvenation that affects one's entire being.

(8) Navel.--As being the centre, and so the most important part of the body. (Comp. the epithet applied to Delphi, "navel of the earth.")

Marrow.--Literally, watering: i.e., refreshing. (Comp. Job 21:24.) For the opposite condition, "dryness of the bones, comp. Proverbs 17:22.

Verse 8. - It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. A metaphorical expression, denoting the complete spiritual health which shall follow from fearing the Lord and departing from evil. Health, (riph'uth); properly, healing; LXX., ιἅσις; Vulgate, sanitas; so Syriac and Arabic. The Targum Jonathan has medicina, "medicine," as the margin. The root rapha is properly "to sew together," and the secondary meaning, "to heal," is taken from the healing of a wound by sewing it up. Delitzsch, however, thinks riph'uth is not to be taken as a restoration from sickness, but as a raising up from enfeebled health, or a confirming of the strength which already exists. There shall be a continuance of health. Gesenius translates "refreshment." To thy navel (l'shor'rekha); Vulgate, umbilico tuo; so Targum Jonathan. Shor is "the navel," here used synecdochically for the whole body, just as "head" is put for the whole man (Judges 5:30), "mouth" for the whole person speaking (Proverbs 8:13), and "slow bellies" for depraved gluttons (Titus 1:12) (Gejerus, Umbreit). The idea is expressed in the LXX., Syriac, and Arabic by "to thy body" (τῷ σώματι σου; corpori tuo). The navel is here regarded as the centre of vital strength. For the word, see Song of Solomon 7:2; Ezekiel 16:4. This is the only place in the Proverbs where this word is found. Gesenius, however, takes shor, or l'shor'rekha, as standing col. lectively for the nerves, in which, he says, is the seat of strength, and translates accordingly, "Health (i.e. refreshment) shall it be to thy nerves." Marrow (shik'kuy); literally, watering or moistening, as in the margin; Vulgate, irrigatio. Moistening is imparted to the bones by the marrow, and thus they are strengthened: "His bones are moistened with marrow" (Job 21:24). Where there is an absence of marrow the drying up of the bones ensues, and hence their strength is impaired, and a general debility of the system sets in - they "wax old" (Psalm 32:3). The effect of a broken spirit is thus described: "A broken spirit drieth up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22). The physiological fact here brought forward is borne witness to by Cicero, 'In Tusc.:' "In visceribus atque medullis omne bonum condidisse naturam" (cf. Plato). The meaning of the passage is that, as health to the navel and marrow to the bones stand as representatives of physical strength, so the fear of the Lord, etc., is the spiritual strength of God's children.

Parallel Commentaries ...


This will bring
תְּהִ֣י (tə·hî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

healing
רִ֭פְאוּת (rip̄·’ūṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7500: A healing

to your body
לְשָׁרֶּ֑ךָ (lə·šār·re·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8270: A string, the umbilical cord

and refreshment
וְ֝שִׁקּ֗וּי (wə·šiq·qui)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8250: A beverage, moisture, refreshment

to your bones.
לְעַצְמוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ (lə·‘aṣ·mō·w·ṯe·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6106: A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:8 It will be health to your body (Prov. Pro Pr)