Proverbs 30:28

Authorized King James Version

The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׂ֭מָמִית
The spider
a lizard (from the superstition of its noxiousness)
#2
בְּיָדַ֣יִם
with her hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#3
תְּתַפֵּ֑שׂ
taketh hold
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
#4
וְ֝הִ֗יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#5
בְּהֵ֣יכְלֵי
palaces
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
#6
מֶֽלֶךְ׃
and is in kings
a king

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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