Proverbs 19:23

Authorized King James Version

The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִרְאַ֣ת
The fear
fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence
#2
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
לְחַיִּ֑ים
tendeth to life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#4
וְשָׂבֵ֥עַ
satisfied
satiated (in a pleasant or disagreeable sense)
#5
יָ֝לִ֗ין
and he that hath it shall abide
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#6
בַּל
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
#7
יִפָּ֥קֶד
he shall not be visited
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#8
רָֽע׃
with evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Proverbs, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Proverbs.

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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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