Lexical Summary sakkin: Knife Original Word: שַׂכִּין Strong's Exhaustive Concordance knife Intensive perhaps from the same as Sekuw in the sense of suwk; a knife (as pointed or edged) -- knife. see HEBREW Sekuw see HEBREW suwk NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a knife NASB Translation knife (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׂכִּין noun [masculine] knife (Late Hebrew סַכִּין; probably loanword (Lewy Fremdw. 176) from Aramaic סַכִּינְא,  id., whence also Arabic  Nö M 125 Frä84; √ dubious); — absolute ׳שׂ Proverbs 23:2. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Immediate Context The term appears once, in Proverbs 23:2: “and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite”. Within the banquet-saying of Proverbs 23:1-3, the knife is a vivid hyperbole counseling restraint in the presence of a ruler’s delicacies. The imagery arrests the reader, urging an internal “cutting off” of unchecked desire lest hospitality become a snare (Proverbs 23:3). Historical and Cultural Background Knives in Israelite daily life were fashioned from flint in early periods (Exodus 4:25), then bronze and iron by the monarchical era (1 Samuel 13:19-20). They served culinary, agricultural, and domestic purposes, as well as ritual functions. By the time Proverbs was compiled, iron blades were common, readily evoking the concrete picture of placing a sharpened instrument to the throat—both a life-and-death image and a table utensil. Moral Instruction on Self-Mastery In wisdom literature, the heart is the wellspring of conduct (Proverbs 4:23). The solitary use of this term underscores an essential principle: disciplined appetite is integral to righteous living. Gluttony dulls discernment (Proverbs 23:20-21); coveting royal fare can lead to compromise (Daniel 1:8). The “knife” portrays decisive, proactive resistance against excess. It anticipates New Testament counsel: “make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14). Comparison with Other Biblical Knives While different Hebrew words are employed elsewhere, parallels deepen understanding: In each, a knife marks a boundary between holy commitment and destructive desire. Proverbs 23:2 aligns with this pattern, applying the boundary to personal appetite. Typological and Christological Considerations Sacrificial knives foreshadowed the once-for-all offering of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10). Believers, united to that sacrifice, are called to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). The metaphorical knife at the throat becomes a call to crucify the passions and lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:24), resting on the finished work of the Savior. Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Stewardship of the body: Teaching moderation in food, drink, and lifestyle honors God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Summary Though occurring only once, the term evokes the knife as an instrument of decisive self-denial. Proverbs 23:2 links practical table manners to the broader biblical theme of covenant faithfulness, calling God’s people to wield the “knife” of disciplined choice so that appetites serve, rather than rule, the heart devoted to the Lord. Forms and Transliterations שַׂכִּ֣ין שכין śak·kîn sakKin śakkînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 23:2 HEB: וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ שַׂכִּ֣ין בְּלֹעֶ֑ךָ אִם־ NAS: And put a knife to your throat If KJV: And put a knife to thy throat, INT: and put A knife to your throat If 1 Occurrence |
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