Proverbs 14:28

Authorized King James Version

In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּרָב
In the multitude
abundance (in any respect)
#2
עָ֥ם
of people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
הַדְרַת
honour
decoration
#4
מֶ֑לֶךְ
is the king's
a king
#5
וּבְאֶ֥פֶס
but in the want
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
#6
לְ֝אֹ֗ם
of people
a community
#7
מְחִתַּ֥ת
is the destruction
properly, a dissolution; concretely, a ruin, or (abstractly) consternation
#8
רָזֽוֹן׃
of the prince
a dignitary

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 covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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