Proverbs 14:27

Authorized King James Version

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִרְאַ֣ת

H3374

The fear

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מְק֣וֹר

H4726

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);

חַיִּ֑ים

H2416

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

לָ֝ס֗וּר

H5493

to depart

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִמֹּ֥קְשֵׁי

H4170

from the snares

a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)

מָֽוֶת׃

H4194

of death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

Analysis

Within the broader context of Proverbs, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding life in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Proverbs chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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Topics

Wisdom