Proverbs 16:3

Authorized King James Version

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גֹּ֣ל
Commit
to roll (literally or figuratively)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
יְהוָ֣ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
מַעֲשֶׂ֑יךָ
thy works
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#5
וְ֝יִכֹּ֗נוּ
shall be established
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#6
מַחְשְׁבֹתֶֽיךָ׃
and thy thoughts
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

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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