Proverbs 31:30

Authorized King James Version

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שֶׁ֣קֶר
is deceitful
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#2
הַ֭חֵן
Favour
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
#3
וְהֶ֣בֶל
is vain
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
#4
הַיֹּ֑פִי
and beauty
beauty
#5
אִשָּׁ֥ה
but a woman
a woman
#6
יִרְאַת
that feareth
fearing; morally, reverent
#7
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
הִ֣יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
תִתְהַלָּֽל׃
she shall be praised
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

Analysis

Within the broader context of Proverbs, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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