Proverbs 19:9

Authorized King James Version

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֵ֣ד
witness
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#2
שְׁ֭קָרִים
A false
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#3
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יִנָּקֶ֑ה
shall not be unpunished
to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated
#5
וְיָפִ֖יחַ
and he that speaketh
to puff, i.e., blow with the breath or air; hence, to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to kindle (a fire), to scoff
#6
כְּזָבִ֣ים
lies
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)
#7
יֹאבֵֽד׃
H6
shall perish
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

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 revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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