Proverbs 19:26

Authorized King James Version

He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מְֽשַׁדֶּד
He that wasteth
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
#2
אָ֭ב
H1
his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#3
יַבְרִ֣יחַ
and chaseth away
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
#4
אֵ֑ם
his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#5
בֵּ֝֗ן
is a son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
מֵבִ֥ישׁ
that causeth shame
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#7
וּמַחְפִּֽיר׃
and bringeth reproach
to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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