Deuteronomy 1:16

Authorized King James Version

And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָֽאֲצַוֶּה֙
H6680
And I charged
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
וּשְׁפַטְתֶּ֣ם
H8199
and judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#4
בָּעֵ֥ת
H6256
at that time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#5
הַהִ֖וא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#6
לֵאמֹ֑ר
H559
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
שָׁמֹ֤עַ
H8085
Hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#8
בֵּין
H996
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#9
אָחִ֖יו
H251
and his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#10
וּשְׁפַטְתֶּ֣ם
H8199
and judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#11
צֶ֔דֶק
H6664
righteously
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#12
בֵּֽין
H996
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#13
אִ֥ישׁ
H376
between every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#14
וּבֵין
H996
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#15
אָחִ֖יו
H251
and his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#16
וּבֵ֥ין
H996
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#17
גֵּרֽוֹ׃
H1616
and the stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Deuteronomy's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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