Proverbs 24:23

Authorized King James Version

These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אֵ֥לֶּה
these or those
#3
לַֽחֲכָמִ֑ים
These things also belong to the wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#4
הַֽכֵּר
to have respect
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
#5
פָּנִ֖ים
of persons
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
בְּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט
in judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#7
בַּל
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
#8
טֽוֹב׃
It is not good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

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

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