Deuteronomy 1:33

Authorized King James Version

Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תֵּֽלְכוּ
Who went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
לִפְנֵיכֶ֜ם
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#3
בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#4
לָת֥וּר
you to search you out
to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring
#5
לָכֶ֛ם
H0
#6
מָק֖וֹם
a place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#7
לַחֲנֹֽתְכֶ֑ם
to pitch your tents
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#8
בָּאֵ֣שׁ׀
in in fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#9
לַ֗יְלָה
by night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#10
לַרְאֹֽתְכֶם֙
to shew
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#11
בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#12
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
תֵּֽלְכוּ
Who went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
בָ֔הּ
H0
#15
וּבֶֽעָנָ֖ן
and in a cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#16
יוֹמָֽם׃
by day
daily

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 salvation 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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources