Proverbs 16:24

Authorized King James Version

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
צוּף
are as an honeycomb
comb of honey (from dripping)
#2
דְּ֭בַשׁ
honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup
#3
אִמְרֵי
words
something said
#4
נֹ֑עַם
Pleasant
agreeableness, i.e., delight, suitableness, splendor or grace
#5
מָת֥וֹק
sweet
sweet
#6
לַ֝נֶּ֗פֶשׁ
to the soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#7
וּמַרְפֵּ֥א
and health
properly, curative, i.e., literally (concretely) a medicine, or (abstractly) a cure; figuratively (concretely) deliverance, or (abstractly) placidity
#8
לָעָֽצֶם׃
to the bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

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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