Proverbs 17:12

Authorized King James Version

Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פָּג֬וֹשׁ
of her whelps meet
to come in contact with, whether by accident or violence; figuratively, to concur
#2
דֹּ֣ב
Let a bear
the bear (as slow)
#3
שַׁכּ֣וּל
robbed
bereaved
#4
בְּאִ֑ישׁ
a 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)
#5
וְאַל
rather than
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
כְּ֝סִ֗יל
a fool
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
#7
בְּאִוַּלְתּֽוֹ׃
in his folly
silliness

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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