Proverbs 12:28

Authorized King James Version

In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּאֹֽרַח
In the way
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
#2
צְדָקָ֥ה
of righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#3
חַיִּ֑ים
is 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
וְדֶ֖רֶךְ
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
נְתִיבָ֣ה
and in the pathway
a (beaten) track
#6
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#7
מָֽוֶת׃
thereof there is no death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of righteousness 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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