Proverbs 19:17

Authorized King James Version

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַלְוֵ֣ה
lendeth
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
#2
יְ֭הוָה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
ח֣וֹנֵֽן
He that hath pity
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
#4
דָּ֑ל
upon the poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#5
וּ֝גְמֻל֗וֹ
and that which he hath given
treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital
#6
יְשַׁלֶּם
will he pay him again
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#7
לֽוֹ׃
H0

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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