3:2

This verse is a single sentence in Hebrew. Although English versions divide the verse into two lines, these lines do not contain parallel parts. In Hebrew, the verse is more literally “For length of days and years of life and well-being they will add to you.”

3:2a

for they will add length to your days: The word for introduces the motivation or reason for remembering the father’s instructions. The motivation is that obeying these instructions will cause the person to live a long and satisfying life. Other ways to introduce this clause are:

because they will bring you long life (God’s Word)
-or-
If you do this, you will live many years (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Then you will live a long time (New Century Version)

they will add length to your days: The Hebrew idiom “length of days” means “a long life.”

3:2b

years and peace to your life: The phrase years and peace to your life implies a life that is both long and worthwhile. The Hebrew word šalom, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as peace, refers to good health, prosperity, personal well-being, and peaceful relations with others. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

your life will be satisfying (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
they will increase…your well-being (New Jerusalem Bible)

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