Proverbs 30:6

Authorized King James Version

Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תּ֥וֹסְףְּ
Add
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
דְּבָרָ֑יו
thou not unto his words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
פֶּן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#6
יוֹכִ֖יחַ
lest he reprove
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
#7
בְּךָ֣
H0
#8
וְנִכְזָֽבְתָּ׃
thee and thou be found a liar
to lie (i.e., deceive), literally or figuratively

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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