Proverbs 1:18

Authorized King James Version

And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֭הֵם
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
לְדָמָ֣ם
for their own 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
#3
יֶאֱרֹ֑בוּ
And they lay wait
to lurk
#4
יִ֝צְפְּנ֗וּ
they lurk privily
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
#5
לְנַפְשֹׁתָֽם׃
for their own lives
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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