לִוְיָה (liv.yah)
liv.yah
wreath
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun livyah refers to a wreath, specifically a circular band or garland worn on the head. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within the book of Proverbs, where it serves as a tangible symbol of honor and dignity.
In Proverbs 12:4, the text describes a virtuous wife as a “crown” to her husband, using livyah to depict the respect and status she brings into his life. Similarly, Proverbs 16:31 applies the same word to gray hair, framing aging not as decline but as a badge of righteousness and wisdom earned through a long life.
This term distinguishes itself by emphasizing visible glory and public recognition rather than internal virtue alone. Translators often render it as “crown” or “garland,” capturing the idea that certain qualities—like marital faithfulness or godly maturity—are adorned upon the person like a decorative headpiece, marking them for esteem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word livyah describes a wreath or garland, an item worn on the head to signal honor and dignity. In the Old Testament, this image connects visible respect with inner character. It reminds us that true worth is not hidden but displayed for others to see.
When Proverbs speaks of a virtuous wife as a crown to her husband, it uses this word to show how mutual respect brings glory to both partners. Similarly, gray hair is called a wreath of righteousness, marking a life lived with wisdom and faithfulness. These images invite us to value relationships and maturity over fleeting appearances.
May you find encouragement in knowing that your faithful actions and steady character are seen and honored by God. Let this truth guide your daily interactions with grace and humility.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a wreath of1×
- [will be] a wreath of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לִוְיַת\־1×
- לִוְיַ֤ת1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 1:9
for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.
This verse uses the image of a garland to show how accepting wisdom brings immediate honor and beauty to one's life.
-
Proverbs 4:9
She will give to your head a garland of grace. She will deliver a crown of splendor to you.”
Here, the garland symbolizes the splendor that comes from embracing instruction, framing wisdom as a public badge of distinction.