Proverbs 22:11

Authorized King James Version

He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֹהֵ֥ב
He that loveth
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#2
טְהָור
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
#3
לֵ֑ב
of heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#4
חֵ֥ן
for the grace
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
#5
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
of his lips
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#6
רֵעֵ֥הוּ
shall be his friend
an associate (more or less close)
#7
מֶֽלֶךְ׃
the king
a king

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 grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation 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 grace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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