Proverbs 16:30

Authorized King James Version

He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֹצֶ֣ה
He shutteth
properly, to fasten (or make firm), i.e., to close (the eyes)
#2
עֵ֭ינָיו
his eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#3
לַחְשֹׁ֣ב
to devise
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#4
תַּהְפֻּכ֑וֹת
froward things
a perversity or fraud
#5
קֹרֵ֥ץ
moving
to pinch, i.e., (partially) to bite the lips, blink the eyes (as a gesture of malice), or (fully) to squeeze off (a piece of clay in order to mould a
#6
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
his lips
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#7
כִּלָּ֥ה
he bringeth
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#8
רָעָֽה׃
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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