King James Version

What Does Proverbs 9:11 Mean?

Proverbs 9:11 in the King James Version says “For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

Proverbs 9:11 · KJV


Context

9

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

11

For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

12

If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

13

A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By wisdom your days will multiply and years added to your life. The Hebrew 'ravah' (multiply/increase) promises longevity from wisdom. This isn't mechanical guarantee but general principle: wisdom tends toward life, folly toward death. Wise living generally produces longer, better life. Foolish living abbreviates and degrades life. While exceptions exist, the pattern holds: wisdom brings life; folly brings death.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Deuteronomic covenant promised long life for obedience (Deuteronomy 5:33, 6:2). Proverbs personalizes this - individual wisdom produces individual longevity. Modern medicine validates biblical wisdom: moderate lifestyle, healthy relationships, purposeful living correlate with longevity. Wisdom's life-giving power operates physically, relationally, spiritually. Psalm 91:16 promises: 'With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How has wisdom (or folly) affected the quality and potentially length of your life?
  2. What foolish patterns are abbreviating your life or degrading its quality?
  3. How does God's promise of abundant life (John 10:10) connect to wisdom's life-multiplying effects?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּי1 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בִ֭י2 of 8
H0
יִרְבּ֣וּ3 of 8

shall be multiplied

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

יָמֶ֑יךָ4 of 8

For by me thy days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְיוֹסִ֥יפוּ5 of 8

shall be increased

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לְּ֝ךָ֗6 of 8
H0
שְׁנ֣וֹת7 of 8

and the years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

חַיִּֽים׃8 of 8

of thy life

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin


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 9:11 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 9:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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