Proverbs 28:2

Authorized King James Version

For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּפֶ֣שַֽׁע
For the transgression
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
#2
אֶ֭רֶץ
of a land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#3
רַבִּ֣ים
many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#4
שָׂרֶ֑יהָ
are the princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#5
וּבְאָדָ֥ם
thereof but by a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#6
מֵבִ֥ין
of understanding
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#7
יֹ֝דֵ֗עַ
and knowledge
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
כֵּ֣ן
the state
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#9
יַאֲרִֽיךְ׃
thereof shall be prolonged
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)

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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