Proverbs 31:4

Authorized King James Version

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֤ל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
לַֽמְלָכִ֣ים
It is not for kings
a king
#3
לְֽמוֹאֵ֗ל
O Lemuel
lemuel or lemoel, possibly a symbolic name of solomon
#4
אַ֣ל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#5
לַֽמְלָכִ֣ים
It is not for kings
a king
#6
שְׁתוֹ
to drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#7
יָ֑יִן
wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#8
וּ֝לְרוֹזְנִ֗ים
princes
probably to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) honorable
#9
אֵ֣ו
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#10
שֵׁכָֽר׃
strong drink
an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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