Proverbs 3:26

Authorized King James Version

For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יְ֭הוָה
For the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
יִהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
בְכִסְלֶ֑ךָ
shall be thy confidence
properly, fatness, i.e., by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness o
#5
וְשָׁמַ֖ר
and shall keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#6
רַגְלְךָ֣
thy foot
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#7
מִלָּֽכֶד׃
from being taken
something to capture with, i.e., a noose

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 sovereignty 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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