Tag Archives: Proverbs 7:23

עַ֤ד יְפַלַּ֪ח חֵ֡ץ כְּֽבֵדֹ֗ו כְּמַהֵ֣ר צִפֹּ֣ור אֶל־פָּ֑ח וְלֹֽא־֝יָדַ֗ע כִּֽי־בְנַפְשֹׁ֥ו הֽוּא׃ (Proverbs 7:23) Clause Structure and Sequential Tension The verse is structured as a sequence of clauses that depict a sudden and fatal downfall—syntactically layered to match the speed and inevitability of the event: עַד יְפַלַּ֪ח חֵ֡ץ כְּֽבֵדֹ֗ו – “Until an arrow pierces his liver” עַד (“until”) sets up a temporal clause leading to climax. יְפַלַּ֪ח is a jussive/imperfect (Hifil from פּלח, “to pierce”), creating a prospective tension. חֵץ כְּבֵדֹו (“an arrow [pierces] his liver”) uses vivid imagery: the liver symbolizing the innermost self or vitality.… Learn Hebrew