Proverbs 23:14

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֭תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
בַּשֵּׁ֣בֶט
him with the rod
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#3
תַּכֶּ֑נּוּ
Thou shalt beat
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#4
וְ֝נַפְשׁ֗וֹ
his soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#5
מִשְּׁא֥וֹל
from hell
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
#6
תַּצִּֽיל׃
and shalt deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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