Proverbs 24:14

Authorized King James Version

So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֵּ֤ן׀

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

דְּעֶ֥ה

H3045

So shall the knowledge

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

חָכְמָ֗ה

H2451

of wisdom

wisdom (in a good sense)

לְנַ֫פְשֶׁ֥ךָ

H5315

be unto 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

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מָ֭צָאתָ

H4672

when thou hast found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

וְיֵ֣שׁ

H3426

it then there shall be

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

אַחֲרִ֑ית

H319

a reward

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

וְ֝תִקְוָתְךָ֗

H8615

and thy expectation

literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy

#10

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

תִכָּרֵֽת׃

H3772

shall not be cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing wisdom contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 wisdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Proverbs chapter 24 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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Topics

Wisdom