Proverbs 3:1

Authorized King James Version

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּ֭נִי
My 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
#2
תּוֹרָתִ֣י
not my law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#3
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#4
תִּשְׁכָּ֑ח
forget
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
#5
וּ֝מִצְוֹתַ֗י
my commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#6
יִצֹּ֥ר
keep
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
#7
לִבֶּֽךָ׃
but let thine heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

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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