Proverbs 23:8

Authorized King James Version

The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פִּֽתְּךָ
The morsel
a bit
#2
אָכַ֥לְתָּ
which thou hast eaten
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#3
תְקִיאֶ֑נָּה
shalt thou vomit up
to vomit
#4
וְ֝שִׁחַ֗תָּ
and lose
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#5
דְּבָרֶ֥יךָ
words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#6
הַנְּעִימִֽים׃
thy sweet
delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative)

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

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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