Proverbs 24:15

Authorized King James Version

Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תֶּאֱרֹ֣ב
Lay not wait
to lurk
#3
רָ֭שָׁע
O wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#4
לִנְוֵ֣ה
man against the dwelling
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild
#5
צַדִּ֑יק
of the righteous
just
#6
אַֽל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#7
תְּשַׁדֵּ֥ד
spoil
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
#8
רִבְצֽוֹ׃
not his resting place
a couch or place of repose

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 divine revelation 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 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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics