Proverbs 10:11

Authorized King James Version

The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מְק֣וֹר
man is a well
properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);
#2
חַ֭יִּים
of life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#3
וּפִ֥י
The mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#4
צַדִּ֑יק
of a righteous
just
#5
וּפִ֥י
The mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#6
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
of the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#7
יְכַסֶּ֥ה
covereth
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#8
חָמָֽס׃
but violence
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

Analysis

Within the broader context of Proverbs, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Proverbs.

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 life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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