Proverbs 17:6

Authorized King James Version

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֲטֶ֣רֶת
are the crown
a crown
#2
זְ֭קֵנִים
of old men
old
#3
בָּנִ֣ים
Children's
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
בָּנִ֣ים
Children's
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
וְתִפְאֶ֖רֶת
and the glory
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
#6
בָּנִ֣ים
Children's
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
אֲבוֹתָֽם׃
H1
are their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 glory 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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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