Proverbs 7:17

Authorized King James Version

I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נַ֥פְתִּי
I have perfumed
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
#2
מִשְׁכָּבִ֑י
my bed
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
#3
מֹ֥ר
with myrrh
myrrh (as distilling in drops, and also as bitter)
#4
אֲ֝הָלִ֗ים
aloes
aloe wood (i.e., sticks)
#5
וְקִנָּמֽוֹן׃
and cinnamon
cinnamon bark (as in upright rolls)

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

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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