Proverbs 29:14

Authorized King James Version

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֶ֤לֶךְ
The king
a king
#2
שׁוֹפֵ֣ט
judgeth
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#3
בֶּֽאֱמֶ֣ת
that faithfully
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#4
דַּלִּ֑ים
the poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#5
כִּ֝סְא֗וֹ
his throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#6
לָעַ֥ד
for ever
properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit
#7
יִכּֽוֹן׃
shall be established
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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