Proverbs 26:2

Authorized King James Version

As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כַּצִּפּ֣וֹר
As the bird
a little bird (as hopping)
#2
לָ֭נוּד
by wandering
to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea
#3
כַּדְּר֣וֹר
as the swallow
the swift, a kind of swallow
#4
לָע֑וּף
by flying
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)
#5
כֵּ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#6
קִֽלְלַ֥ת
so the curse
vilification
#7
חִ֝נָּ֗ם
causeless
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage
#8
ל֣אֹ
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תָבֹֽא׃
shall not come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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