This will bring healing to your bodyThe phrase emphasizes the holistic well-being that comes from living in accordance with God's wisdom. In biblical times, health was often seen as a blessing from God, and obedience to His commandments was believed to lead to physical health. The Hebrew word for "healing" can also mean "cure" or "health," suggesting a restoration to wholeness. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that spiritual obedience can lead to physical blessings, as seen in
Deuteronomy 28, where obedience to God's laws results in various blessings, including health. The body, in this context, represents the entire physical being, indicating that wisdom affects every aspect of life.
and refreshment to your bones.
The term "refreshment" implies a renewal or invigoration, suggesting that wisdom not only heals but also revitalizes. In ancient Hebrew culture, bones were often seen as the core of physical strength and vitality. The imagery of bones being refreshed indicates a deep, internal rejuvenation. This can be connected toEzekiel 37, where dry bones are brought to life, symbolizing restoration and hope. The idea of bones being refreshed also points to the sustaining power of God's wisdom, which provides strength and endurance. This phrase can be seen as a type of Christ, who offers spiritual renewal and strength to believers, as seen inMatthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Proverbs is a collection of his wise sayings and teachings.
2.
IsraelThe nation to whom Solomon originally addressed his wisdom literature, providing guidance for living a life that honors God.
3.
The Body and BonesMetaphorically representing the whole person, both physically and spiritually, indicating the comprehensive well-being that comes from following God's wisdom.
Teaching Points
Holistic Well-being through WisdomGod's wisdom is not just for spiritual edification but also for physical health. Living according to His principles can lead to a healthier life.
The Interconnection of Body and SpiritThe Hebrew word for "healing" (riph'ut) and "refreshment" (shiqquy) suggest a deep connection between spiritual obedience and physical health. Our spiritual state can affect our physical condition.
Practical Steps to HealthEmbrace God's wisdom in daily decisions, such as maintaining integrity, practicing forgiveness, and living a life of moderation, which can lead to both spiritual and physical health.
Trust in God's PromisesTrusting in God's wisdom and promises can bring peace and reduce stress, which are significant factors in maintaining physical health.
The Role of Faith in HealingWhile physical health is important, ultimate healing and refreshment come from a relationship with God, who provides for our needs in every aspect of life.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 3:8?
2.How can Proverbs 3:8 guide us in maintaining spiritual and physical health?
3.What does "healing to your body" imply about God's role in our wellness?
4.How does Proverbs 3:8 connect with 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 about honoring God?
5.In what ways can we apply Proverbs 3:8 to daily stress management?
6.How does trusting God bring "nourishment to your bones" in practical terms?
7.How does Proverbs 3:8 relate to physical and spiritual health?
8.What is the significance of "healing to your body" in Proverbs 3:8?
9.How does Proverbs 3:8 connect to trusting God in difficult times?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3?
11.What does the Bible say about health?
12.Are pleasant words like a honeycomb?
13.How does one walk, leap, and praise God simultaneously?
14.What does the Bible teach about controlling speech?What Does Proverbs 3:8 Mean
This will bring- The phrase points back to the prior command: “Fear the LORD and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:7).
- Scripture consistently ties obedience to tangible blessing (Deuteronomy 28:1-8;Exodus 15:26). When God says “this will bring,” He is promising a real result, not a vague possibility.
- The direct connection between cause (reverent obedience) and effect (healing and refreshment) underscores God’s faithfulness. “The LORD is faithful to all His promises” (Psalm 145:13).
healing to your body- The word “healing” is used straightforwardly: physical wellness. God who formed our bodies (Psalm 139:13-16) reserves the right and power to mend them.
- Similar assurances:
• “For they are life to those who find them and health to the whole body” (Proverbs 4:22).
• “Worship the LORD your God, and His blessing will be on your food and water; I will take away sickness from among you” (Exodus 23:25).
- Obedience aligns us with God’s design—spiritually, morally, even physiologically. Walking in righteousness lifts stress, curbs destructive habits, and invites divine intervention (Psalm 34:19).
and refreshment- Refreshment speaks of renewed energy and vitality. Think of cool water on a hot day (Isaiah 58:11;Jeremiah 31:25).
- God doesn’t merely patch us up; He revives us. Jesus echoes this inMatthew 11:28-30—“I will give you rest.”
- Living under God’s wisdom restores zest for life, replacing the fatigue of sin (Psalm 32:3-5).
to your bones- In Scripture, bones represent the deepest part of one’s physical frame and inner strength (Job 21:24;Proverbs 17:22).
- “A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30). God’s promise here is the opposite—He infuses the very core with strength.
- Even in advanced age, obedience keeps us vigorous: “Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his vigor gone” (Deuteronomy 34:7).
summaryProverbs 3:8 assures that fearing the LORD and shunning evil results in literal, observable benefits: bodily healing, renewed vigor, and deep-seated strength. God ties physical wellness to a life aligned with His wisdom, proving once again that His commands are given for our flourishing—spirit, mind, and body.
(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 ...
Hebrew
This will bringתְּהִ֣י(tə·hî)Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, behealingרִ֭פְאוּת(rip̄·’ūṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7500:A healingto your bodyלְשָׁרֶּ֑ךָ(lə·šār·re·ḵā)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8270:A string, the umbilical cordand refreshmentוְ֝שִׁקּ֗וּי(wə·šiq·qui)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8250:A beverage, moisture, refreshmentto 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) 
