Proverbs 19:22

Authorized King James Version

The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
The desire
a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
#2
אָדָ֣ם
of a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
חַסְדּ֑וֹ
is his kindness
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#4
וְטֽוֹב
is better
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#5
רָ֝שׁ
and a poor man
to be destitute
#6
מֵאִ֥ישׁ
than
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#7
כָּזָֽב׃
a liar
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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