Proverbs 25:19

Authorized King James Version

Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שֵׁ֣ן
tooth
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
#2
רֹ֭עָה
is like a broken
breakage
#3
וְרֶ֣גֶל
and a foot
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#4
מוּעָ֑דֶת
out of joint
properly, made to slip, i.e., dislocated
#5
מִבְטָ֥ח
Confidence
properly, a refuge, i.e., (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance
#6
בּ֝וֹגֵ֗ד
in an unfaithful man
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
#7
בְּי֣וֹם
in time
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#8
צָרָֽה׃
of trouble
transitively, a female rival

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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

Questions for Reflection

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