Proverbs - 4:9



9 She will give to your head a garland of grace. She will deliver a crown of splendor to you."

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Proverbs 4:9.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
She will give to thy head a chaplet of grace; A crown of beauty will she deliver to thee.
She shall give to thy head increase of graces, and protect thee with a noble crown.
She shall give to thy head a garland of grace; a crown of glory will she bestow upon thee.
She giveth to thy head a wreath of grace, A crown of beauty she doth give thee freely.
She will put a crown of grace on your head, giving you a head-dress of glory.
She will give to thy head a chaplet of grace; A crown of glory will she bestow on thee.'
She will bestow upon your head an increase in graces, and she will protect you with a noble crown.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

A crown of glory - A tiara, diadem, or crown, shall not be more honorable to the princely wearer, than sound wisdom - true religion - coupled with deep learning, shall be to the Christian and the scholar.

She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace,.... This, and the following clause, explain what that honour is Christ promotes and brings his followers to here and hereafter: he gives them grace and more grace; "an increase of grace", so the Vulgate Latin version renders it; and some think James refers to this passage, Proverbs 4:6. The grace that Christ gives is very ornamental to his people: justifying grace greatly beautifies and adorns them; it not only covers the nakedness of their souls, and all their spots and imperfections, and through it all their sins are caused to pass from them; but they are made exceeding beautiful, perfectly comely through this comeliness, a perfection of beauty by it; and which is often signified by that which is very ornamental, rich, and costly, as fine linen, clothing of wrought gold, raiment of needlework, a Wedding garment, stuck with jewels and precious stones: sanctifying grace, which also is Christ's gift, is very ornamental; it is called "the beauty of holiness"; it is that by which a man is made like to God, and conformed to the image of Christ; it is the curious workmanship of the Spirit of God; or what makes a man beautiful, and makes him meet for heaven and happiness: every grace is ornamental; faith, hope, love, humility, &c. these are like rows of jewels, and chains of gold, about the neck. And when this ornament is said to be given "to the head", it is not to be understood of the natural head of a man, but of his whole person, it gives a comeliness to; and may denote the visibility of it, as it appears in the life and conversation;
a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee; by which is meant eternal glory and happiness, called a "crown", an ensign of royal dignity, which, belongs to such as are made kings and priests unto God; and is given to conquerors, even who are more than conquerors through Christ, and as a reward of diligence and faithfulness, Revelation 2:10. It is sometimes called a crown of life, a crown of righteousness, an incorruptible and never-fading one, and, as here, "a crown of glory"; the saints in heaven will have a glory put upon them, both in soul and body; they will appear with Christ in glory, and be crowned with glory and honour, as he is; they will be clothed and surrounded with it: and so some render it,
"she will compass thee about with a crown of glory as with a shield'' (w);
see Psalm 5:12. This Christ is said to "deliver"; it is in his hands, laid up in him, and is safe with him; he has power to dispose of it, and it may be expected from him; see 2-Timothy 4:8.
(w) , Sept. "proteget te", V. L. "muniet te", Montanus, Tigerine version; "cinget te", Gejerus.

ornament--such as the chaplet or wreath of conquerors.
deliver--(Compare Genesis 14:20). The allusion to a shield, contained in the Hebrew, suggests protection as well as honor (compare Proverbs 4:6).

Grace - A beautiful ornament, such as they used to put upon their heads.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


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