Proverbs 27:10

Authorized King James Version

Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְרֵ֪עַה
Thine own friend
an associate (more or less close)
#2
וְרֵ֪עַה
Thine own friend
an associate (more or less close)
#3
אָבִ֡יךָ
H1
and thy father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#4
אַֽל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#5
תַּעֲזֹ֗ב
forsake
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#6
וּבֵ֥ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
מֵאָ֥ח
into thy brother's
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#8
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
תָּ֭בוֹא
not neither go
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
בְּי֣וֹם
in the day
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
#11
אֵידֶ֑ךָ
of thy calamity
oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin
#12
ט֥וֹב
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
#13
שָׁכֵ֥ן
is a neighbour
a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen
#14
קָ֝ר֗וֹב
that is near
near (in place, kindred or time)
#15
מֵאָ֥ח
into thy brother's
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#16
רָחֽוֹק׃
far off
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Proverbs, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Proverbs.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Proverbs Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics