Proverbs 20:26

Authorized King James Version

A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מְזָרֶ֣ה
scattereth
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
#2
רְ֭שָׁעִים
the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#3
מֶ֣לֶךְ
king
a king
#4
חָכָ֑ם
A wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#5
וַיָּ֖שֶׁב
and bringeth
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#6
עֲלֵיהֶ֣ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
אוֹפָֽן׃
the wheel
a wheel

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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