Deuteronomy 1:28

Authorized King James Version

Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָנָ֣ה׀
H575
where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither
#2
אֲנַ֣חְנוּ
H587
we
#3
עֹלִ֗ים
H5927
Whither shall we go up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#4
אַחֵינוּ֩
H251
our brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#5
הֵמַ֨סּוּ
H4549
have discouraged
to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)
#6
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
לְבָבֵ֜נוּ
H3824
our heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#8
לֵאמֹ֗ר
H559
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
עַ֣ם
H5971
The people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
גְּדֹלֹ֥ת
H1419
are great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#11
וָרָם֙
H7311
and taller
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#12
מִמֶּ֔נּוּ
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#13
עָרִ֛ים
H5892
than we the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#14
גְּדֹלֹ֥ת
H1419
are great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#15
וּבְצוּרֹ֖ת
H1219
and walled up
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
#16
בַּשָּׁמָ֑יִם
H8064
to heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#17
וְגַם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#18
בְּנֵ֥י
H1121
the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#19
עֲנָקִ֖ים
H6062
of the Anakims
an anakite or descendant of anak
#20
רָאִ֥ינוּ
H7200
and moreover we have seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#21
שָֽׁם׃
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation 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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources