Proverbs 4:18

Authorized King James Version

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֹ֣רַח
But the path
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
#2
צַ֭דִּיקִים
of the just
just
#3
כְּא֣וֹר
light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#4
נֹ֑גַהּ
is as the shining
brilliancy (literally or figuratively)
#5
הוֹלֵ֥ךְ
more
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
וָ֝א֗וֹר
that shineth
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
#7
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#8
נְכ֥וֹן
and more unto the perfect
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#9
הַיּֽוֹם׃
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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

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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