Proverbs 1:28

Authorized King James Version

Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָ֣ז

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יִ֭קְרָאֻנְנִי

H7121

Then shall they call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ה

H6030

upon me but I will not answer

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

יְ֝שַׁחֲרֻ֗נְנִי

H7836

they shall seek me early

properly, to dawn, i.e., (figuratively) be (up) early at any task (with the implication of earnestness); by extension, to search for (with painstaking

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִמְצָאֻֽנְנִי׃

H4672

but they shall not find

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Proverbs chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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Topics

Wisdom