Proverbs 28:14

Authorized King James Version

Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַשְׁרֵ֣י
Happy
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
#2
אָ֭דָם
is the man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
מְפַחֵ֣ד
that feareth
to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general
#4
תָּמִ֑יד
alway
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
#5
וּמַקְשֶׁ֥ה
but he that hardeneth
properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)
#6
לִ֝בּ֗וֹ
his heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#7
יִפּ֥וֹל
shall fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#8
בְּרָעָֽה׃
into mischief
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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