Proverbs 1:15

Authorized King James Version

My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּנִ֗י
My son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#3
תֵּלֵ֣ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
not thou in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
אִתָּ֑ם
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#6
מְנַ֥ע
with them refrain
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
#7
רַ֝גְלְךָ֗
thy foot
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#8
מִנְּתִיבָתָֽם׃
from their path
a (beaten) track

Analysis

Within the broader context of Proverbs, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Proverbs's theological argument.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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