Proverbs 13:4

Authorized King James Version

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִתְאַוָּ֣ה
desireth
to wish for
#2
וָ֭אַיִן
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#3
וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ
The soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#4
עָצֵ֑ל
of the sluggard
indolent
#5
וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ
The soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#6
חָרֻצִ֣ים
of the diligent
properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp tee
#7
תְּדֻשָּֽׁן׃
shall be made fat
to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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