Proverbs 28:17

Authorized King James Version

A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָ֭דָם

H120

A man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

עָשֻׁ֣ק

H6231

that doeth violence

to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow

בְּדַם

H1818

to the blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

נָ֑פֶשׁ

H5315

of any person

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בּ֥וֹר

H953

to the pit

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

יָ֝נ֗וּס

H5127

shall flee

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִתְמְכוּ

H8551

let no man stay

to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close

#10

בֽוֹ׃

Analysis

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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Topics

Wisdom