Proverbs 8:34

Authorized King James Version

Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי
Blessed
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
#2
אָדָם֮
is the man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
שֹׁמֵ֪עַֽ֫
that heareth
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#4
לִ֥י
H0
#5
לִשְׁקֹ֣ד
me watching
to be alert, i.e., sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill)
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
דַּ֭לְתֹתַי
at my gates
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#8
י֑וֹם
daily
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#9
י֑וֹם
daily
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#10
לִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר
waiting
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#11
מְזוּזֹ֥ת
at the posts
a door-post (as prominent)
#12
פְּתָחָֽי׃
of my doors
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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