Proverbs 23:22

Authorized King James Version

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁמַ֣ע
Hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
לְ֭אָבִיךָ
H1
unto thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#3
זֶ֣ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
יְלָדֶ֑ךָ
that begat
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#5
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
תָּ֝ב֗וּז
thee and despise
to disrespect
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
זָקְנָ֥ה
when she is old
to be old
#9
אִמֶּֽךָ׃
not thy mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

Analysis

Within the broader context of Proverbs, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Proverbs.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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