Proverbs 1:11

Authorized King James Version

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
יֹאמְרוּ֮
If they say
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
לְכָ֪ה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
אִ֫תָּ֥נוּ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#5
נֶאֶרְבָ֥ה
with us let us lay wait
to lurk
#6
לְדָ֑ם
for blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#7
נִצְפְּנָ֖ה
let us lurk
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
#8
לְנָקִ֣י
privily for the innocent
innocent
#9
חִנָּֽם׃
without cause
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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