Proverbs 24:12

Authorized King James Version

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
תֹאמַ֗ר
If thou sayest
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
הֵן֮
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#4
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יֵדָ֑ע
Behold we knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#6
זֶ֥ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#7
הֲֽלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
תֹ֘כֵ֤ן
it not doth not he that pondereth
to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)
#9
לִבּ֨וֹת׀
the heart
the heart
#10
הֽוּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#11
יָבִ֗ין
consider
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#12
וְנֹצֵ֣ר
it and he that keepeth
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
#13
נַ֭פְשְׁךָ
thy soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#14
ה֣וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#15
יֵדָ֑ע
Behold we knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#16
וְהֵשִׁ֖יב
it and shall not he render
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#17
לְאָדָ֣ם
to every man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#18
כְּפָעֳלֽוֹ׃
according to his works
an act or work (concretely)

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 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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