Proverbs 10:16

Authorized King James Version

The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פְּעֻלַּ֣ת
The labour
(abstractly) work
#2
צַדִּ֣יק
of the righteous
just
#3
לְחַיִּ֑ים
tendeth to life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#4
תְּבוּאַ֖ת
the fruit
income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)
#5
רָשָׁ֣ע
of the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#6
לְחַטָּֽאת׃
to sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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