Proverbs 30:8

Authorized King James Version

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׁ֤וְא׀
from me vanity
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
#2
וּֽדְבַר
and lies
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
כָּזָ֡ב
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)
#4
הַרְחֵ֬ק
Remove far
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
#5
מִמֶּ֗נִּי
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#6
רֵ֣אשׁ
me neither poverty
poverty
#7
וָ֭עֹשֶׁר
nor riches
wealth
#8
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
תִּֽתֶּן
give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#10
לִ֑י
H0
#11
הַ֝טְרִיפֵ֗נִי
feed
to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)
#12
לֶ֣חֶם
me with food
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#13
חֻקִּֽי׃
convenient
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Proverbs, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Proverbs.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics