Proverbs 25:5

Authorized King James Version

Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָג֣וֹ
Take away
to remove
#2
רָ֭שָׁע
the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#3
לִפְנֵי
from before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#4
מֶ֑לֶךְ
the king
a king
#5
וְיִכּ֖וֹן
shall be established
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#6
בַּצֶּ֣דֶק
in righteousness
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#7
כִּסְאֽוֹ׃
and his throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing righteousness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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