Proverbs 20:6

Authorized King James Version

Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רָב
Most
abundance (in any respect)
#2
אָדָ֗ם
men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
יִ֭קְרָא
will proclaim
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#4
וְאִ֥ישׁ
every one
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)
#5
חַסְדּ֑וֹ
his own goodness
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#6
וְאִ֥ישׁ
every one
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
אֱ֝מוּנִ֗ים
but a faithful
established, i.e., (figuratively) trusty; also (abstractly) trustworthiness
#8
מִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#9
יִמְצָֽא׃
who can find
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

Analysis

Within the broader context of Proverbs, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, 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 covenant 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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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