King James Version

What Does Proverbs 3:9 Mean?

Proverbs 3:9 in the King James Version says “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:”

Proverbs 3:9 · KJV

Context

7

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8

It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. health: Heb. medicine marrow: Heb. watering, or, moistening

9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11

My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

Read Proverbs 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This command addresses the proper use of material resources. 'Honour the LORD with thy substance' (כַּבֵּד אֶת־יְהוָה מֵהוֹנֶךָ/kabbed et-Yahweh mehonecha) uses 'kavad,' meaning to honor, glorify, give weight to. 'Substance' (הוֹן/hon) refers to wealth, possessions, resources—everything we own. 'The firstfruits of all thine increase' (מֵרֵאשִׁית כָּל־תְּבוּאָתֶךָ/mere'shit kol-tevu'atecha) specifies priority and proportion—God receives first and best, not leftovers. This principle governed Israelite worship (Exodus 23:19) and demonstrated trust that God, not possessions, provides security. Verse 10 promises abundance for those who honor God financially. Malachi 3:8-10 later confronted Israel's failure here, while the New Testament urges proportional, cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). This verse challenges materialism's grip and tests whether we truly trust God as provider.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, honoring God with firstfruits demonstrated trust in His provision and acknowledged Him as the source of all blessings.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what specific ways do you honor God with your financial resources, and do you give Him the 'firstfruits' or the leftovers?
  2. How does tithing or generous giving challenge your trust in material security versus trust in God as provider?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כַּבֵּ֣ד1 of 7

“Honour”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

אֶת2 of 7
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְ֭הוָה3 of 7

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מֵהוֹנֶ֑ךָ4 of 7

“with thy substance”

H1952

wealth; by implication, enough

וּ֝מֵרֵאשִׁ֗ית5 of 7

“and with the firstfruits”

H7225

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

כָּל6 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תְּבוּאָתֶֽךָ׃7 of 7

“of all thine increase”

H8393

income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 3:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 26:2-151 Corinthians 16:2Exodus 23:19Proverbs 14:31Philippians 4:17-18Exodus 22:29

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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