Proverbs 8:15

Authorized King James Version

By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בִּ֭י
H0
#2
מְלָכִ֣ים
By me kings
a king
#3
יִמְלֹ֑כוּ
reign
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#4
וְ֝רֹזְנִ֗ים
and princes
probably to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) honorable
#5
יְחֹ֣קְקוּ
decree
properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive
#6
צֶֽדֶק׃
justice
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing justice contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Proverbs Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes justice in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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