Proverbs 1:8

Authorized King James Version

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Word-by-Word Analysis

שְׁמַ֣ע

H8085

hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּ֭נִי

H1121

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

מוּסַ֣ר

H4148

the instruction

properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint

אָבִ֑יךָ

of thy father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּ֝טֹּ֗שׁ

H5203

and forsake

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

תּוֹרַ֥ת

H8451

not the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אִמֶּֽךָ׃

H517

of thy mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Proverbs Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Proverbs chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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 might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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Topics

Wisdom