Proverbs 10:27

Authorized King James Version

The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִרְאַ֣ת
The fear
fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence
#2
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
תּוֹסִ֣יף
prolongeth
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#4
יָמִ֑ים
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
וּשְׁנ֖וֹת
but the years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#6
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
of the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#7
תִּקְצֹֽרְנָה׃
shall be shortened
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Proverbs, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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