Proverbs 12:2

Authorized King James Version

A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ט֗וֹב
A good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#2
יָפִ֣יק
man obtaineth
to issue, i.e., furnish; causatively, to secure; figuratively, to succeed
#3
רָ֭צוֹן
favour
delight (especially as shown)
#4
מֵיְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
וְאִ֖ישׁ
but a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#6
מְזִמּ֣וֹת
of wicked devices
a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)
#7
יַרְשִֽׁיעַ׃
will he condemn
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate

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 sovereignty 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 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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