Proverbs 25:9

Authorized King James Version

Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רִֽ֭יבְךָ
Debate
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
#2
רִ֣יב
thy cause
a contest (personal or legal)
#3
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#4
רֵעֶ֑ךָ
with thy neighbour
an associate (more or less close)
#5
וְס֖וֹד
not a secret
a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret
#6
אַחֵ֣ר
to another
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#7
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#8
תְּגָֽל׃
himself and discover
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 salvation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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