Proverbs 6:20

Authorized King James Version

My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נְצֹ֣ר
keep
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
#2
בְּ֭נִי
My son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
מִצְוַ֣ת
commandment
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#4
אָבִ֑יךָ
H1
thy father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
תִּ֝טֹּ֗שׁ
and forsake
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
#7
תּוֹרַ֥ת
not the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#8
אִמֶּֽךָ׃
of thy mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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