Proverbs 8:22

Authorized King James Version

The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְֽהוָ֗ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
קָ֭נָנִי
possessed
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
#3
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
me in the beginning
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
#4
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
of his way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
קֶ֖דֶם
before
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
#6
מִפְעָלָ֣יו
his works
a performance
#7
מֵאָֽז׃
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

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

Questions for Reflection

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