Proverbs 21:2

Authorized King James Version

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּֽל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
דֶּרֶךְ
Every way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#3
אִ֭ישׁ
of a man
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)
#4
יָשָׁ֣ר
is right
straight (literally or figuratively)
#5
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
in his own eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#6
וְתֹכֵ֖ן
pondereth
to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)
#7
לִבּ֣וֹת
the hearts
the heart
#8
יְהוָֽה׃
but the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 sovereignty 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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