Proverbs 15:13

Authorized King James Version

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֵ֝ב
heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#2
שָׂ֭מֵחַ
A merry
blithe or gleeful
#3
יֵיטִ֣ב
maketh a cheerful
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#4
פָּנִ֑ים
countenance
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
וּבְעַצְּבַת
but by sorrow
a idol; also, a pain or wound
#6
לֵ֝ב
heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#7
ר֣וּחַ
the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#8
נְכֵאָֽה׃
is broken
smitten, i.e., (figuratively) afflicted

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of divine revelation 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

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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