Proverbs 27:7

Authorized King James Version

The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנֶ֥פֶשׁ
soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#2
שְׂ֭בֵעָה
The full
satiated (in a pleasant or disagreeable sense)
#3
תָּב֣וּס
loatheth
to trample (literally or figuratively)
#4
נֹ֑פֶת
an honeycomb
a dripping i.e., of honey (from the comb)
#5
וְנֶ֥פֶשׁ
soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#6
רְ֝עֵבָ֗ה
but to the hungry
hungry (more or less intensely)
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
מַ֥ר
every bitter thing
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
#9
מָתֽוֹק׃
is sweet
sweet

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Proverbs. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of covenant 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant 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

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