Proverbs 28:4

Authorized King James Version

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֹזְבֵ֣י
They that forsake
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#2
ת֝וֹרָ֗ה
the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#3
יְהַֽלְל֣וּ
praise
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
#4
רָשָׁ֑ע
the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#5
וְשֹׁמְרֵ֥י
but such as keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#6
ת֝וֹרָ֗ה
the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#7
יִתְגָּ֥רוּ
contend
properly, to grate, i.e., (figuratively) to anger
#8
בָֽם׃
H0

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

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