Proverbs 31:2

Authorized King James Version

What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
בַּר
What my son
the heir (apparent to the throne)
#3
וּמַֽה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#4
בַּר
What my son
the heir (apparent to the throne)
#5
בִּטְנִ֑י
of my womb
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
#6
וּ֝מֶה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
בַּר
What my son
the heir (apparent to the throne)
#8
נְדָרָֽי׃
of my vows
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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