Proverbs 16:14

Authorized King James Version

The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חֲמַת
The wrath
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#2
מֶ֥לֶךְ
of a king
a king
#3
מַלְאֲכֵי
is as messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#4
מָ֑וֶת
of death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#5
וְאִ֖ישׁ
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)
#6
חָכָ֣ם
but a wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#7
יְכַפְּרֶֽנָּה׃
will pacify
to cover (specifically with bitumen)

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 revelation 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 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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