Proverbs 25:7

Authorized King James Version

For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ט֥וֹב

H2896

For better

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

אֲמָר

H559

it is that it be said

to say (used with great latitude)

לְךָ֗

עֲֽלֵ֫ה

H5927

unto thee Come up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הֵ֥נָּה

H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

מֵֽ֭הַשְׁפִּ֣ילְךָ

H8213

hither than that thou shouldest be put lower

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

לִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

in the presence

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

נָדִ֑יב

H5081

of the prince

properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)

#10

אֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

רָא֣וּ

H7200

have seen

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#12

עֵינֶֽיךָ׃

H5869

whom thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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 does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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Topics

Wisdom