Proverbs 4:3

3 For I was my father’s son, tender and unique in the sight of my mother.

Proverbs 4:3 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 4:3

For I was my father's son
Or, "a son to my father" F16; so Solomon was to God, his heavenly Father, ( 2 Samuel 7:14 ) ; which Jarchi observes, and gives as the sense of this place: but his father David is meant, whose son he was; though he was not his only one, he had others besides him. But the sense is, that he was his darling, his beloved son, whom he loved above the rest; as he was beloved of the Lord, and therefore his name was called Jedidiah, so he was beloved of his father; and, because he had a peculiar love for him, he took a particular care of his education; tender and only [beloved] in the sight of my mother;
his mother Bathsheba, who had a most affectionate regard to him; and therefore in his tender age, as soon as he was susceptible of instructions, gave them to him, which being received, made deep and lasting impressions on him; see ( Proverbs 31:1 Proverbs 31:2 ) . The marginal reading is, "to the sons of my mother"; for Bathsheba had more sons, ( 1 Chronicles 3:5 ) ; both readings may be retained, "beloved in the sight of my mother's sons". Gersom interprets this of the people of Israel, who were sons to God their Father; and were the only nation that received the law, and which they received at the time of their coming out of Egypt, in the days of their youth.


FOOTNOTES:

F16 (ybal ytyyh Nb) "filius fui patri meo", Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis; so Cocceius, Schultens.

Proverbs 4:3 In-Context

1 Hearken, ye sons, unto the chastening of the father, and pay attention that ye might know understanding.
2 For I give you good doctrine; do not forsake my law.
3 For I was my father’s son, tender and unique in the sight of my mother.
4 He taught me and said unto me, Sustain thine heart with my words; keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding; forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010