Proverbs 30:16

Authorized King James Version

The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁאוֹל֮
The grave
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
#2
וְעֹ֪צֶ֫ר
and the barren
closure; also constraint
#3
רָ֥חַם
womb
compassion (in the plural)
#4
אֶ֭רֶץ
the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
שָׂ֣בְעָה
that is not filled
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
#7
מַּ֑יִם
with water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#8
וְ֝אֵ֗שׁ
and the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#9
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
אָ֥מְרָה
that saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
הֽוֹן׃
not It is enough
wealth; by implication, enough

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 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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