Proverbs 16:6

Authorized King James Version

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּחֶ֣סֶד
By mercy
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#2
וֶ֭אֱמֶת
and truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#3
יְכֻפַּ֣ר
is purged
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#4
עָוֹ֑ן
iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#5
וּבְיִרְאַ֥ת
and by the fear
fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence
#6
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
ס֣וּר
men depart
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#8
מֵרָֽע׃
from evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of truth 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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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