Proverbs 29:17

Authorized King James Version

Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַסֵּ֣ר
Correct
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
#2
בִּ֭נְךָ
thy son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
וִֽינִיחֶ֑ךָ
and he shall give thee rest
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
#4
וְיִתֵּ֖ן
yea he shall give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
מַעֲדַנִּ֣ים
delight
a delicacy or (abstractly) pleasure (adverbially, cheerfully)
#6
לְנַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃
unto thy soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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