Proverbs 4:5

Authorized King James Version

Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קְנֵ֣ה
Get
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
#2
חָ֭כְמָה
wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#3
קְנֵ֣ה
Get
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
#4
בִינָ֑ה
understanding
understanding
#5
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח
forget
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
#7
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#8
תֵּ֝֗ט
it not neither decline
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#9
מֵֽאִמְרֵי
from the words
something said
#10
פִֽי׃
of my mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of wisdom 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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