Proverbs 23:6

Authorized King James Version

Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תִּלְחַ֗ם
Eat
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
לֶ֭חֶם
thou not the bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#5
רַ֣ע
of him that hath an evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#6
עָ֑יִן
eye
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#7
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#8
תִּ֝תְאָ֗ו
neither desire
to wish for
#9
לְמַטְעַמֹּתָֽיו׃
thou his dainty meats
a delicacy

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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