Bible Strands
Proverbs 8:22
The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Wisdom speaks in a personified voice to the reader within a didactic discourse, positioning herself at the moment of creation before the earth's formation. The address targets those who seek understanding and love.
The words — The Hebrew קָ֭נָ/נִי (Ka.na./ni) translates literally to "he created me," while רֵאשִׁ֣ית (re.Shit) means "the beginning of" or "first course." These terms anchor the speaker's origin prior to the מִפְעָלָ֣י/ו (mif.'a.La/v), or "his works."
The thread — This theme of pre-creation priority appears in Proverbs 3:19, where Yahweh establishes the earth by wisdom, and echoes in John 1:1 and Colossians 1:17 regarding the Word's existence before all things.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that divine wisdom precedes all created order, requiring the reader to submit to its guidance before engaging in any action. It frames obedience as a response to an established, eternal reality rather than a new revelation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
Cross-references
- John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
- Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
- Proverbs 3:19 The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding.
- Psalms 104:24 How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.
- Job 28:26 when He set a limit for the rain and a path for the thunderbolt,