Deuteronomy 1:44

Authorized King James Version

And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּצֵ֨א
came out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֜י
And the Amorites
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
#3
הַיֹּשֵׁ֨ב
which dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#4
בָּהָ֤ר
in that mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#5
הַהוּא֙
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
לִקְרַאתְכֶ֔ם
against
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#7
וַיִּרְדְּפ֣וּ
you and chased
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#8
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ינָה
do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
הַדְּבֹרִ֑ים
you as bees
the bee (from its systematic instincts)
#12
וַֽיַּכְּת֥וּ
and destroyed
to bruise or violently strike
#13
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
בְּשֵׂעִ֖יר
you in Seir
seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine
#15
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#16
חָרְמָֽה׃
even unto Hormah
chormah, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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