Proverbs 16:27

Authorized King James Version

An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִ֣ישׁ
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)
#2
בְּ֭לִיַּעַל
An ungodly
without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness
#3
כֹּרֶ֣ה
diggeth up
properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open
#4
רָעָ֑ה
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#5
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
שְׂ֝פָת֗יוֹ
and in his lips
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#7
כְּאֵ֣שׁ
fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#8
צָרָֽבֶת׃
there is as a burning
conflagration (of fire or disease)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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