Proverbs 22:14

Authorized King James Version

The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שׁוּחָ֣ה
pit
a chasm
#2
עֲ֭מֻקָּה
women is a deep
deep (literally or figuratively)
#3
פִּ֣י
The mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#4
זָר֑וֹת
of strange
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
#5
זְע֥וּם
he that is abhorred
properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e., to be enraged
#6
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
שָֽׁם׃
shall fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#8
שָֽׁם׃
shall fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Proverbs Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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