Lexical Summary maarak: Arrangement, setting, row Original Word: מַעֲרָךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance preparation From arak; an arrangement, i.e. (figuratively) mental disposition -- preparation. see HEBREW arak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom arak Definition an arrangement NASB Translation plans (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַעֲרָךְ] noun [masculine] arrangement; — plural construct מַעַרְכֵיסּלֵב Proverbs 16:1 to man belong arrangements (plans) of the mind (compare לֵב 3). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Context מַעֲרָךְ in Proverbs 16:1 is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible as “plans.” The term portrays an orderly arrangement that springs from deliberate thought. It is plural in the verse (“arrangements/plan-sets”), stressing the many ideas that can rise within a person’s inner life. While human beings possess the capacity to structure their intentions, the text immediately sets that ability under the higher authority of God: “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:1). Human Planning and Divine Sovereignty Proverbs 16:1 stands at the head of a chapter devoted to the tension and harmony between human responsibility and divine rule (see also Proverbs 16:3, 16:9). The verse does not disparage planning; rather, it cautions that the final, effectual outcome (“the reply of the tongue”) is under God’s control. Scripture frequently revisits this theme: The interplay teaches wise dependence: believers are encouraged to think, prepare, and strategize, yet to do so humbly and prayerfully, acknowledging God’s ultimate governance. The Heart as the Seat of Intention Ancient Hebrew anthropology viewed the לֵב (heart) as the control center of intellect, will, and emotion. מַעֲרָךְ therefore refers not to fleeting impulses but to settled, reasoned designs within that core. By locating plans in the heart, Scripture underscores that the moral quality of planning is inseparable from the character of the planner (Proverbs 4:23). Old Testament Parallels 1. Proverbs 16:9 – Human beings chart a course; God establishes the steps. Together these passages frame מַעֲרָךְ as a legitimate, even necessary human activity that remains subordinate to God’s sovereign counsel. New Testament Resonance James 4:13-15 echoes Proverbs 16:1 by urging merchants to preface their travel plans with “If the Lord is willing.” Acts 2:23 joins human deliberation (“by the hands of the lawless”) with God’s “determined plan and foreknowledge,” illustrating that even in the most pivotal event—Christ’s crucifixion—divine sovereignty directs human choices without negating responsibility. Historical Background In Israel’s wisdom tradition, orderly living was prized. Agricultural cycles, military formations, and priestly service all required careful arrangement. Yet history consistently showed that victories, harvests, and national fortunes hinged on the Lord’s favor (Judges 7; Deuteronomy 28). Proverbs 16:1 therefore distilled lived experience into aphorism: prepare well, but rest the outcome with God. Ministry Implications • Personal Discipleship: Encourage believers to organize their time, finances, and goals, then surrender them in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). Devotional Reflection Proverbs 16:1 invites a daily rhythm: think, plan, commit, trust. It reminds the church that productivity and piety are not rivals; orderly preparation honors God when coupled with humble reliance. Whether drafting a sermon outline, arranging a family budget, or envisioning missionary outreach, one truth steadies the heart—every human מַעֲרָךְ finds its true completion only in the Lord’s gracious answer. Forms and Transliterations מַֽעַרְכֵי־ מערכי־ ma‘arḵê- ma·‘ar·ḵê- maarcheiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 16:1 HEB: לְאָדָ֥ם מַֽעַרְכֵי־ לֵ֑ב וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה NAS: The plans of the heart belong to man, KJV: The preparations of the heart in man, INT: to man the plans of the heart the LORD 1 Occurrence |
    |