Proverbs 22:6

Authorized King James Version

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חֲנֹ֣ךְ
Train up
properly, to narrow; figuratively, to initiate or discipline
#2
לַ֭נַּעַר
a child
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
פִּ֣י
he should go
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#5
דַרְכּ֑וֹ
in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#6
גַּ֥ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
יַ֝זְקִ֗ין
and when he is old
to be old
#9
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יָס֥וּר
he will not depart
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#11
מִמֶּֽנָּה׃
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Cross References

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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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