Proverbs 28:12

Authorized King James Version

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּעֲלֹ֣ץ
men do rejoice
to jump for joy, i.e., exult
#2
צַ֭דִּיקִים
When righteous
just
#3
רַבָּ֣ה
there is great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#4
תִפְאָ֑רֶת
glory
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
#5
וּבְק֥וּם
rise
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#6
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
but when the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#7
יְחֻפַּ֥שׂ
is hidden
to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e., let be sought), or mask
#8
אָדָֽם׃
a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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