Proverbs 4:14

Authorized King James Version

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּאֹ֣רַח
not into the path
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
#2
רְ֭שָׁעִים
of the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#3
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#4
תָּבֹ֑א
Enter
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#5
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
תְּ֝אַשֵּׁ֗ר
and go
to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper
#7
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
not in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#8
רָעִֽים׃
of evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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