What Does Proverbs 4:2 Mean in the King James?
For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The verse links instruction to reception: what is given can be taken in, kept, and followed as direction.
THE MEANING
Good instruction reaches you as a gift, meant to remain available as direction for your life. You can receive it and carry it with you.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
It undoes the belief that teaching is only a burden imposed from outside; this verse presents good instruction as a gift to receive and retain.
THE ROOT
לֶקַח
leqaḥ
GROWS FROM
ל־ק־ח
l-q-ḥ
To take, receive, or grasp.
The word rendered “doctrine” is leqaḥ, instruction named through the root “take, receive.” The verse holds its movements together: instruction is given, received, and not abandoned.
ALSO GROWS
lāqaḥ: To take, receive, or accept.
לָקַח
This verb shows the concrete action carried by the root: instruction can be taken in.
leqaḥ: Instruction, teaching, or learning.
לֶקַח
This noun names what is received, joining the verse’s “good doctrine” to the act of taking it in.
תּוֹרָה
torah
GROWS FROM
י־ר־ה
y-r-h
To point or direct; by extension, to teach or instruct.
“law” in this verse is torah. Torah means instruction, from a root that carries the sense of pointing, directing, and teaching. What the verse says not to forsake is guidance that keeps showing the way.
ALSO GROWS
yārāh: To cast, shoot, point, direct, or teach.
יָרָה
Its range joins pointing a direction with imparting instruction.
mōreh: A teacher or instructor.
מוֹרֶה
The teacher is one who gives direction, echoing Torah as instruction that points a way.
THE PATTERN
Good instruction is given to be received within and kept as guidance for the way.
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.THE THREAD
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:The same word, Torah, appears here as “law,” connecting this verse’s instruction with what the heart can keep. The thread links “forsake not” with keeping the teaching close within.
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