Proverbs 29:8

Authorized King James Version

Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
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)
#2
לָ֭צוֹן
Scornful
derision
#3
יָפִ֣יחוּ
bring
to puff, i.e., blow with the breath or air; hence, to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to kindle (a fire), to scoff
#4
קִרְיָ֑ה
a city
a city
#5
וַ֝חֲכָמִ֗ים
but wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#6
יָשִׁ֥יבוּ
men turn away
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
אָֽף׃
wrath
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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