Proverbs 21:28

Authorized King James Version

A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֵד
witness
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#2
כְּזָבִ֥ים
A false
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)
#3
יֹאבֵ֑ד
H6
shall perish
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#4
וְאִ֥ישׁ
but the 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)
#5
שׁ֝וֹמֵ֗עַ
that heareth
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#6
לָנֶ֥צַח
constantly
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
#7
יְדַבֵּֽר׃
speaketh
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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