Proverbs 30:9

Authorized King James Version

Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

Word-by-Word Analysis

פֶּ֥ן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

אֶשְׂבַּ֨ע׀

H7646

Lest I be full

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

וְכִחַשְׁתִּי֮

H3584

and deny

to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

וְאָמַ֗רְתִּי

H559

thee and say

to say (used with great latitude)

מִ֥י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יְה֫וָ֥ה

H3068

Who is the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וּפֶֽן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

אִוָּרֵ֥שׁ

H3423

or lest I be poor

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

וְגָנַ֑בְתִּי

H1589

and steal

to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive

#10

וְ֝תָפַ֗שְׂתִּי

H8610

and take

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

#11

שֵׁ֣ם

H8034

the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#12

אֱלֹהָֽי׃

H430

of my God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Proverbs, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Topics

Wisdom