Proverbs 15:23

Authorized King James Version

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שִׂמְחָ֣ה
hath joy
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
#2
לָ֭אִישׁ
A man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
בְּמַעֲנֵה
by the answer
a reply (favorable or contradictory)
#4
פִ֑יו
of his mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#5
וְדָבָ֖ר
and a word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#6
בְּעִתּ֣וֹ
spoken in due season
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#7
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#8
טּֽוֹב׃
how good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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