Proverbs 21:13

Authorized King James Version

Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֹטֵ֣ם

H331

Whoso stoppeth

to close (the lips or ears); by analology to contract (a window by bevelled jambs)

אָ֭זְנוֹ

H241

his ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

מִזַּעֲקַת

H2201

at the cry

a shriek or outcry

דָּ֑ל

H1800

of the poor

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

גַּֽם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

ה֥וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִ֝קְרָ֗א

H7121

he also shall cry

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵעָנֶֽה׃

H6030

himself but shall not be heard

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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Topics

Wisdom