Proverbs 22:17

Authorized King James Version

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַ֥ט
Bow down
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#2
אָזְנְךָ֗
thine ear
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#3
וּ֭שְׁמַע
and hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#4
דִּבְרֵ֣י
the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
חֲכָמִ֑ים
of the wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#6
וְ֝לִבְּךָ֗
thine heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#7
תָּשִׁ֥ית
and apply
to place (in a very wide application)
#8
לְדַעְתִּֽי׃
unto my knowledge
knowledge

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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