Proverbs 5:19

Authorized King James Version

Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַיֶּ֥לֶת
hind
a doe
#2
אֲהָבִ֗ים
Let her be as the loving
affection (in a good or a bad sense)
#3
וְֽיַעֲלַ֫ת
roe
an ibex (as climbing)
#4
חֵ֥ן
and pleasant
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
#5
דַּ֭דֶּיהָ
let her breasts
the breast (as the seat of love, or from its shape)
#6
יְרַוֻּ֣ךָ
satisfy
to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites)
#7
בְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
עֵ֑ת
thee at all times
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#9
בְּ֝אַהֲבָתָ֗הּ
with her love
love
#10
תִּשְׁגֶּ֥ה
and be thou ravished
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
#11
תָמִֽיד׃
always
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Proverbs. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, 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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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