Proverbs 4:8

Authorized King James Version

Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
סַלְסְלֶ֥הָ
Exalt
to mound up (especially a turnpike); figurative, to exalt; reflexively, to oppose (as by a dam)
#2
וּֽתְרוֹמְמֶ֑ךָּ
her and she shall promote
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#3
תְּ֝כַבֵּ֗דְךָ
thee she shall bring thee to honour
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#4
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
תְחַבְּקֶֽנָּה׃
when thou dost embrace
to clasp (the hands or in embrace)

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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