Proverbs 4:2ExegesisTAB

Proverbs 4 : 2 Gift | Instruction | Obedience
2. Linguistic Exegesis
The verse begins with the subordinating conjunction ki {כִּי | kî}, which introduces a causal clause explaining the reason for the prohibition. The noun phrase leqach tov {לֶקַח טוֹב | lə-qaḥ ṭôḇ} serves as the direct object of the Qal perfect verb natatti {נָתַתִּי | nāṯaṯtî} with the dative suffix lakhem {לָכֶם | lā-ḵem}, highlighting the speaker’s action of providing quality teaching. The shift to torati {תּוֹרָתִי | tô-rā-tî} emphasizes the personal ownership of the instruction. The negative jussive is formed by the prohibitive particle al {אַל | ʾal} plus the Qal imperfect taazovu {תַּעֲזֹבוּ | ta-ʿa-zō-vû}, issuing a command against abandoning that instruction. This paratactic structure closely links the divine gift with the expected human response.

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