Proverbs 6:31

Authorized King James Version

But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֭נִמְצָא
But if he be found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#2
יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם
he shall restore
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#3
שִׁבְעָתָ֑יִם
sevenfold
seven-times
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
ה֖וֹן
all the substance
wealth; by implication, enough
#7
בֵּית֣וֹ
of his house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
יִתֵּֽן׃
he shall give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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