Proverbs 31:16

Authorized King James Version

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זָמְמָ֣ה
She considereth
to plan, usually in a bad sense
#2
שָׂ֭דֶה
a field
a field (as flat)
#3
וַתִּקָּחֵ֑הוּ
and buyeth
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#4
מִפְּרִ֥י
it with the fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#5
כַ֝פֶּ֗יהָ
of her hands
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#6
נָ֣טְעָ
she planteth
properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)
#7
כָּֽרֶם׃
a vineyard
a garden or vineyard

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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