Proverbs 22:8

Authorized King James Version

He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זוֹרֵ֣עַ
He that soweth
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
#2
עַ֭וְלָה
iniquity
(moral) evil
#3
יִקְצָור
shall reap
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
#4
אָ֑וֶן
vanity
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
#5
וְשֵׁ֖בֶט
and the rod
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#6
עֶבְרָת֣וֹ
of his anger
an outburst of passion
#7
יִכְלֶֽה׃
shall fail
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

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 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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