Proverbs 13:14

Authorized King James Version

The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תּוֹרַ֣ת
The law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#2
חָ֭כָם
of the wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#3
מְק֣וֹר
is a fountain
properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);
#4
חַיִּ֑ים
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
#5
לָ֝ס֗וּר
to depart
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#6
מִמֹּ֥קְשֵׁי
from the snares
a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)
#7
מָֽוֶת׃
of death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

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 life 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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