Proverbs 4:22

Authorized King James Version

For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
חַיִּ֣ים
For they are life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#3
הֵ֭ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
לְמֹצְאֵיהֶ֑ם
unto those that find
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#5
וּֽלְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
בְּשָׂר֥וֹ
to all their flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#7
מַרְפֵּֽא׃
them and health
properly, curative, i.e., literally (concretely) a medicine, or (abstractly) a cure; figuratively (concretely) deliverance, or (abstractly) placidity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of life 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 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 life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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