Proverbs 24:21

Authorized King James Version

My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְרָֽא

H3372

fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

thou the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּנִ֣י

H1121

My son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וָמֶ֑לֶךְ

H4428

and the king

a king

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שׁ֝וֹנִ֗ים

H8138

not with them that are given to change

to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּתְעָרָֽב׃

H6148

and meddle

to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about 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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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Topics

Wisdom