Proverbs 17:8

Authorized King James Version

A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶֽבֶן
H68
stone
a stone
#2
חֵ֣ן
is as a precious
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
#3
הַ֭שֹּׁחַד
A gift
a donation (venal or redemptive)
#4
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#5
בְעָלָ֑יו
of him that hath
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#6
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
יִפְנֶ֣ה
it whithersoever it turneth
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#10
יַשְׂכִּֽיל׃
it prospereth
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

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 revelation 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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