Proverbs 29:4

Authorized King James Version

The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֶ֗לֶךְ
The king
a king
#2
בְּ֭מִשְׁפָּט
by judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#3
יַעֲמִ֣יד
establisheth
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#4
אָ֑רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
וְאִ֖ישׁ
but he
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#6
תְּרוּמ֣וֹת
that receiveth gifts
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
#7
יֶֽהֶרְסֶֽנָּה׃
overthroweth
to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

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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