Proverbs 7:27

Authorized King James Version

Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דַּרְכֵ֣י
is the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#2
שְׁא֣וֹל
to hell
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
#3
בֵּיתָ֑הּ
Her house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
יֹ֝רְד֗וֹת
going down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
חַדְרֵי
to the chambers
an apartment (usually literal)
#7
מָֽוֶת׃
of death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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