New International VersionThen I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,
New Living TranslationI was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.
English Standard Versionthen I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always,
Berean Standard BibleThen I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence.
King James BibleThen I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
New King James VersionThen I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him,
New American Standard BibleThen I was beside Him, as a master workman; And I was His delight daily, Rejoicing always before Him,
NASB 1995Then I was beside Him, as a master workman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him,
NASB 1977Then I was beside Him, as a master workman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him,
Legacy Standard BibleThen I was beside Him, as a master workman; And I was a daily delight, Rejoicing always before Him,
Amplified BibleThen I was beside Him, as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight; Rejoicing before Him always,
Christian Standard BibleI was a skilled craftsman beside him. I was his delight every day, always rejoicing before him.
Holman Christian Standard BibleI was a skilled craftsman beside Him. I was His delight every day, always rejoicing before Him.
American Standard VersionThen I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him,
Contemporary English VersionI was right beside the LORD, helping him plan and build. I made him happy each day, and I was happy at his side.
English Revised VersionThen I was by him, as a master workman: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI was beside him as a master craftsman. I made him happy day after day, I rejoiced in front of him all the time,
Good News TranslationI was beside him like an architect, I was his daily source of joy, always happy in his presence--
International Standard VersionThen I was with him, his master craftsman— I was his delight daily, continuously rejoicing in his presence,
NET Biblethen I was beside him as a master craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, rejoicing before him at all times,
New Heart English Biblethen I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,
Webster's Bible TranslationThen I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence.
World English Biblethen I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThen I am near Him, a workman, "" And I am a delight—day by day. Rejoicing before Him at all times,
Young's Literal Translation Then I am near Him, a workman, And I am a delight -- day by day. Rejoicing before Him at all times,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd I shall be near him the builder, and I shall be a delight of day, day, smiling before him in all time. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI was with him forming all things: and was delighted every day, playing before him at all times;
Catholic Public Domain VersionI was with him in composing all things. And I was delighted, throughout every day, by playing in his sight at all times,
New American Biblethen was I beside him as artisan; I was his delight day by day, playing before him all the while,
New Revised Standard Versionthen I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleI together with him was establishing them; and daily I was his delight, rejoicing always before him,
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedI was fashioning with him; he was rejoicing in me every day, and I have been rejoicing before him always. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then I was by Him, as a nursling; And I was daily all delight, Playing always before Him,
Brenton Septuagint TranslationI was by him, suiting myself to him, I was that wherein he took delight; and daily I rejoiced in his presence continually.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Excellence of Wisdom… 29when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth. 30Then I wasa skilled craftsmanat His side,andHis delightdayby day,rejoicingalwaysin His presence.31I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men.…
Cross References John 1:1-3In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.
Colossians 1:15-17The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. / For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Hebrews 1:2-3But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. / The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
John 17:5And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.
1 Corinthians 1:24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
John 1:14The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Ephesians 3:9and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
Revelation 3:14To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation.
1 Corinthians 8:6yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.
Hebrews 1:10And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.
Genesis 1:1-3In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. / Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. / And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Psalm 33:6By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth.
Psalm 104:24How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.
Job 28:27then He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He established it and searched it out.
Isaiah 40:13-14Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? / Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?
Treasury of Scripture Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; one John 1:1-3,18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… John 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. I was daily Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect,in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Jump to Previous AlwaysCraftsmanDailyDelightFilledMasterNurslingPlayingPresenceRejoicingSideTimesWorkmanJump to Next AlwaysCraftsmanDailyDelightFilledMasterNurslingPlayingPresenceRejoicingSideTimesWorkmanProverbs 8 1.the fame6.and evidence of wisdom10.The excellence12.the nature15.the power18.the riches22.and the eternity of wisdom32.Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it bringsThen I was a skilled craftsman at His sideThis phrase personifies Wisdom as a master craftsman, suggesting an active role in creation. The imagery of a craftsman implies skill, precision, and intentionality, reflecting the order and design in the universe. This aligns with the biblical account of creation in Genesis, where God speaks the world into existence with purpose and structure. The concept of Wisdom as a craftsman can be seen as a type of Christ, who is described in John 1:1-3 as the Word through whom all things were made. This connection emphasizes the pre-existence of Christ and His integral role in creation, affirming the unity and harmony within the Godhead. and His delight day by day
The phrase highlights a continuous, intimate relationship between Wisdom and God, characterized by delight and joy. This daily delight suggests a dynamic and ongoing interaction, not a one-time event. It reflects the biblical theme of God's pleasure in His creation, as seen inGenesis 1, where God repeatedly declares His creation "good." The delight also points to the relational aspect of the Trinity, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect love and joy. This relational delight is mirrored in the believer's relationship with God, where daily communion and fellowship bring joy and fulfillment. rejoicing always in His presence
Rejoicing in God's presence underscores the joy and satisfaction found in communion with the Creator. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. The concept of rejoicing in God's presence is echoed throughout Scripture, such as inPsalm 16:11, which speaks of the fullness of joy in God's presence. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who embodies Wisdom and brings believers into the presence of God through His redemptive work. The perpetual rejoicing signifies the ultimate fulfillment and purpose found in a relationship with God, both now and in eternity. Persons / Places / Events 1. WisdomPersonified in Proverbs 8, Wisdom is depicted as a divine attribute or being that was present with God during creation. Wisdom is portrayed as a skilled craftsman, indicating an active role in the creative process. 2. God (The LORD)The Creator who delights in Wisdom. The relationship between God and Wisdom is intimate and collaborative, highlighting the divine nature of Wisdom. 3. CreationThe context of Proverbs 8 is the creation of the world, where Wisdom is described as being present and active alongside God. Teaching Points The Divine Nature of WisdomWisdom is not merely an abstract concept but is portrayed as a divine attribute that is integral to God's nature and work. As believers, we are called to seek and value divine wisdom in our lives. The Joy of CreationThe passage highlights the joy and delight in the creative process. We are encouraged to find joy in our work and creativity, seeing them as reflections of God's creative nature. The Presence of GodWisdom rejoices in God's presence, reminding us of the importance of living in constant awareness of and communion with God. Our daily lives should be marked by a sense of God's presence and delight. Christ as WisdomUnderstanding Christ as the embodiment of divine wisdom can deepen our relationship with Him. We are called to follow Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God's wisdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 8:30?
2.How does Proverbs 8:30 illustrate wisdom's role in God's creation process?
3.What does "a skilled craftsman" reveal about wisdom's nature and purpose?
4.How can we apply wisdom's delight in creation to our daily lives?
5.Connect Proverbs 8:30 with Genesis 1:31 on God's satisfaction with creation.
6.In what ways can we embody wisdom's joy and creativity in our work?
7.What does Proverbs 8:30 reveal about the nature of wisdom in creation?
8.How does Proverbs 8:30 depict the relationship between wisdom and God?
9.What is the significance of "a master craftsman" in Proverbs 8:30?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 8?
11.Proverbs 8:30–31: Wisdom is portrayed as rejoicing in God’s creation of the world; does this imagery fit with archaeological and historical records of Earth’s development?
12.Proverbs 8:27: When it says wisdom was there at the making of the heavens, how does this compare with modern cosmology’s timing of the universe’s formation?
13.What does 'ephod' mean?
14.Is God a deity of order?What Does Proverbs 8:30 Mean Then I was a skilled craftsman• Wisdom speaks as an active participant in creation, not a passive observer (Proverbs 3:19-20). • The word “skilled craftsman” pictures an architect or master builder, anticipating New Testament declarations that “all things were created through Him” (John 1:3;Colossians 1:16). • This underscores God’s orderly design: nothing random, everything intentional (Isaiah 45:18).
At His side• Wisdom is portrayed standing beside the Father, highlighting intimate cooperation (John 1:1-2, “with God”). • The phrase stresses equality of purpose yet distinction of person—foreshadowing the eternal fellowship within the Godhead (John 17:5). • Creation flows from relationship; God works in communion, inviting us to value partnership over isolation (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
And His delight day by day• The Father takes pleasure in Wisdom continually, reflecting unbroken satisfaction (Matthew 3:17). • “Day by day” points to constancy; God’s joy is not occasional but perpetual (Psalm 16:11). • This delight assures believers that God’s plans are birthed in joy, never grudging necessity (Jeremiah 29:11).
Rejoicing always in His presence• Wisdom responds to the Father’s delight with ceaseless joy, mirroring divine happiness (Zephaniah 3:17). • “Always” eradicates any notion of divine boredom or weariness; heaven is a realm of unending celebration (Revelation 4:11). • Believers are invited into that same rejoicing, “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4), because the One who designed creation is still the source of joy.
summaryProverbs 8:30 pictures Wisdom—ultimately fulfilled in Christ—as the Master Craftsman working side-by-side with the Father, loved and delighted in without interruption, overflowing with joy in God’s presence. The verse assures us that creation is purposeful, birthed from intimate fellowship and unending celebration, and that the same joyful Creator now invites His people to share in His delight. (30) As one brought up with him--i.e., his foster child; as Mordecai "brought up" Esther ( Esther 2:7). But the word may also bear the sense of "artificer." It probably occurs in this meaning in Jeremiah 52:15 (though translated "multitude," in accordance with 2Kings 25:11), and in a slightly different form, Song of Solomon 7:1. This meaning is much more suitable, and harmonises with Psalm 104:24; Psalm 136:5, and Hebrews 1:2. . . . Verse 30. - Then I was by him. Wisd. 9:9, "Wisdom was with thee; which knoweth thy works, and was present when thou madest the world." So John 1:2, "The Word was with God." As one brought up with him; Vulgate, cuncta componens; Septuagint, Ημην παρ αὐτῷ ἁρμόζουσα, "I was with him arranging things in harmony." The Hebrew word is אָמון ( amon), "an artificer," "workman" ( Jeremiah 52:15). Thus in Wisd. 7:22 Wisdom is called ἡ πάντωντεχνῖτις, "the worker of all things." The Authorized Version takes the word in a passive state, as equivalent to alumnus, "foster child." and this interpretation is etymologically admissible, and may possibly, as Schultens suggests, be glanced at in St. John's expression (John 1:18), "the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father." But as the point here is the creative energy of Wisdom, it is best to take the term as denoting "artificer." It will then accord with the expression δημιουργὸς, applied by the Fathers to the Word of God, by whom all things were made ( Ephesians 3:9, Textus Receptus, and Hebrews 1:2). And I was daily his delight; literally, I was delights day by day, which may mean either as in Authorized Version, or "I had delight continually," i.e. it may signify (1) either that God took pleasure in the wisdom which displayed his workmanship, saw that it was very good (Genesis 1:4, etc.), looked with delight on the beloved Son in whom he was well pleased (Matthew 3:17, etc.); or (2) it may mean that Wisdom herself rejoiced in her power and her work, rejoiced in giving effect to the Creator's idea, and so "founding the earth" (Proverbs 3:19). Vulgate,delectabar per singulos dies. The Septuagint adopts the former of these views, "I was that wherein he took delight." But the second interpretation seems most suitable, as the paragraph is stating rather what Wisdom is in herself than what she was in the eyes of Jehovah. What follows is a parallel.Rejoicing always before him; Vulgate,ludens coram eo omni tempore, as though the work of creation was a sport and pastime of a happy holiday. The expression is meant to denote the ease with which the operations were performed, and the pleasure which their execution yielded. David uses the same word, speaking of his dancing before the ark, when he says. "Therefore will I play before the Lord" (2 Samuel 6:21; comp.Proverbs 10:23).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then I wasוָֽאֶהְיֶ֥ה(wā·’eh·yeh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bea skilled craftsmanאָ֫מ֥וֹן(’ā·mō·wn)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 525:An artificer, architect, master workmanat His side,אֶצְל֗וֹ(’eṣ·lōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 681:A joining together, proximityandוָֽאֶהְיֶ֣ה(wā·’eh·yeh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beHis delightשַׁ֭עֲשֻׁעִים(‘ă·šu·‘îm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8191:Enjoymentdayי֤וֹם ׀(yō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A day[by] day,י֑וֹם(yō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayrejoicingמְשַׂחֶ֖קֶת(mə·śa·ḥe·qeṯ)Verb - Piel - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 7832:To laugh, to playalwaysבְּכָל־(bə·ḵāl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyin His presence.לְפָנָ֣יו(lə·p̄ā·nāw)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440:The face
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:30 Then I was the craftsman by his (Prov. Pro Pr) |
