Proverbs 22:27

Authorized King James Version

If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
אֵֽין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#3
לְךָ֥
H0
#4
לְשַׁלֵּ֑ם
If thou hast nothing to pay
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#5
לָ֥מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#6
יִקַּ֥ח
why should he take away
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#7
מִ֝שְׁכָּבְךָ֗
thy bed
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
#8
מִתַּחְתֶּֽיךָ׃
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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