Proverbs 3:9

Authorized King James Version

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כַּבֵּ֣ד
Honour
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
יְ֭הוָה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
מֵהוֹנֶ֑ךָ
with thy substance
wealth; by implication, enough
#5
וּ֝מֵרֵאשִׁ֗ית
and with the firstfruits
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
תְּבוּאָתֶֽךָ׃
of all thine increase
income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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