Proverbs 23:16

Authorized King James Version

Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְתַעְלֹ֥זְנָה
shall rejoice
to jump for joy, i.e., exult
#2
כִלְיוֹתָ֑י
Yea my reins
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
#3
בְּדַבֵּ֥ר
speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#4
שְׂ֝פָתֶ֗יךָ
when thy lips
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#5
מֵישָׁרִֽים׃
right things
evenness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e., (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adv

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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