3:18

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning. They form a chiasm. The parts in 3:18a occur in the opposite order from the parallel parts in 3:18b.

18a She is a tree of life to those who embrace her,

18b and those who lay hold of her are blessed.

3:18a–b

She is a tree of life: The phrase tree of life may be a reference to Genesis 3:22. It means “tree that gives life” or “tree that is a source of life.” (The same phrase occurs in Proverbs 11:30, 13:12 and 15:4.) In this metaphor wisdom is compared to a life-giving tree because wisdom also gives life and happiness to people who are wise.

those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as embrace means “to grasp” or “to hold on to.” The second verb has essentially the same meaning. Drawings of people or animals grasping a sacred tree were common in the ancient Near East. In this verse, people are described as figuratively grasping or holding on to wisdom. In some languages, it may be necessary to translate the meaning without using the figure of speech. For example:

those who consistently use wisdom
-or-
those who are consistently wise

3:18b

are blessed: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as are blessed is a different form of the word translated “blessed” in 3:13a. It may mean “will be considered happy.” This meaning is brought out by the Revised Standard Version:

those who hold her fast are called happy (Revised Standard Version)

But most versions do not specify “called” or “considered.” Here is another way to translate this:

will be happy (New Century Version)

The New Jerusalem Bible expresses the same meaning in different words:

live happy lives (New Jerusalem Bible)

General Comment on 3:18a–b

In some languages, it may be preferable to combine and/or reorder the parallel lines. For example:

Wisdom is a life-giving tree, the source of happiness for all who hold on to her. (Contemporary English Version)

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