Proverbs 21:6

Authorized King James Version

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פֹּ֣עַל
The getting
an act or work (concretely)
#2
אֹ֭צָרוֹת
of treasures
a depository
#3
בִּלְשׁ֣וֹן
tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#4
שָׁ֑קֶר
by a lying
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#5
הֶ֥בֶל
is a vanity
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
#6
נִ֝דָּ֗ף
tossed to and fro of
to shove asunder, i.e., disperse
#7
מְבַקְשֵׁי
them that seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#8
מָֽוֶת׃
death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

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

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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