Deuteronomy 1:13

Authorized King James Version

Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָב֣וּ
Take
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
#2
לָ֠כֶם
H0
#3
אֲנָשִׁ֨ים
men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#4
חֲכָמִ֧ים
you wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#5
וּנְבֹנִ֛ים
and understanding
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#6
וִֽידֻעִ֖ים
and known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶ֑ם
among your tribes
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#8
וַֽאֲשִׂימֵ֖ם
and I will make
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#9
בְּרָֽאשֵׁיכֶֽם׃
them rulers
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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