Proverbs 18:3

Authorized King James Version

When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּ֣א
cometh
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
רָ֭שָׁע
When the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#3
בָּ֣א
cometh
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
גַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#5
בּ֑וּז
also contempt
disrespect
#6
וְֽעִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#7
קָל֥וֹן
and with ignominy
disgrace; (by implication) the pudenda
#8
חֶרְפָּֽה׃
reproach
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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