Proverbs 4:24

Authorized King James Version

Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָסֵ֣ר
Put away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#2
מִ֭מְּךָ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#3
עִקְּשׁ֣וּת
from thee a froward
perversity
#4
פֶּ֑ה
mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#5
וּלְז֥וּת
and perverse
perverseness
#6
שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם
lips
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#7
הַרְחֵ֥ק
put far
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
#8
מִמֶּֽךָּ׃
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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