Proverbs 20:8

Authorized King James Version

A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֶ֗לֶךְ
A king
a king
#2
יוֹשֵׁ֥ב
that sitteth in
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
כִּסֵּא
the throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#5
דִ֑ין
of judgment
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
#6
מְזָרֶ֖ה
scattereth away
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
#7
בְעֵינָ֣יו
with his eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
רָֽע׃
all evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Proverbs. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 kingdom of God 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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