Proverbs 28:10

Authorized King James Version

Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַשְׁגֶּ֤ה
to go astray
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
#2
יְשָׁרִ֨ים׀
Whoso causeth the righteous
straight (literally or figuratively)
#3
בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ
way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#4
רָ֗ע
in an evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#5
בִּשְׁחוּת֥וֹ
himself into his own pit
pit
#6
הֽוּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
יִפּ֑וֹל
he shall fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#8
וּ֝תְמִימִ֗ים
but the upright
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
#9
יִנְחֲלוּ
things in possession
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
#10
טֽוֹב׃
shall have good
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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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