Proverbs 15:3

Authorized King James Version

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּֽכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
מָ֭קוֹם
are in every place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#3
עֵינֵ֣י
The eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#4
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
צֹ֝פ֗וֹת
beholding
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
#6
רָעִ֥ים
the evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#7
וטוֹבִֽים׃
and the 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

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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