Proverbs 20:9

Authorized King James Version

Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִֽי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#2
יֹ֭אמַר
Who can say
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
זִכִּ֣יתִי
clean
to be translucent; figuratively, to be innocent
#4
לִבִּ֑י
I have made my heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#5
טָ֝הַ֗רְתִּי
I am pure
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
#6
מֵחַטָּאתִֽי׃
from my sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

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

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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