Proverbs 19:14

Authorized King James Version

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּ֣יִת
House
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#2
וָ֭הוֹן
and riches
wealth; by implication, enough
#3
נַחֲלַ֣ת
are the inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#4
אָב֑וֹת
H1
of fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה
is from the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
אִשָּׁ֥ה
wife
a woman
#7
מַשְׂכָּֽלֶת׃
and a prudent
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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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