Proverbs 25:1
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
מִשְׁלֵ֣י
These are also proverbs
H4912
מִשְׁלֵ֣י
These are also proverbs
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶ֝עְתִּ֗יקוּ
copied out
H6275
הֶ֝עְתִּ֗יקוּ
copied out
Strong's:
H6275
Word #:
6 of 10
to remove (intransitive or transitive) figuratively, to grow old; specifically, to transcribe
אַנְשֵׁ֤י׀
H376
אַנְשֵׁ֤י׀
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 10
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
Hezekiah's reign marked spiritual renewal after his father Ahaz's apostasy. Part of reformation involved recovering neglected Scripture, as when Josiah later rediscovered the Law (2 Kings 22:8). Scribes played crucial roles in preserving God's Word.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse encourage confidence in Scripture's preservation and reliability?
- What does it mean that God used human agents to compile and preserve His Word?
- How should you value and preserve biblical truth in your generation?
Analysis & Commentary
These proverbs of Solomon were 'copied out' by Hezekiah's men. This verse reveals the canonical process—God's Word was preserved and compiled through human agency under divine providence. Hezekiah (716-686 BC) pursued spiritual reform (2 Kings 18:3-6), including recovering and preserving Scripture. Reformed theology affirms God's providential preservation of His Word through history. The Bible is both fully divine and fully human in its composition and transmission. This verse demonstrates care for Scripture's preservation.