Proverbs 21:10

Authorized King James Version

The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
The soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#2
רָ֭שָׁע
of the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#3
אִוְּתָה
desireth
to wish for
#4
רָ֑ע
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#5
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יֻחַ֖ן
findeth no favour
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
#7
בְּעֵינָ֣יו
in his eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
רֵעֵֽהוּ׃
his neighbour
an associate (more or less close)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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