Deuteronomy 10:12

Authorized King James Version

And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּה֙

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

And now Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מָ֚ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

שֹׁאֵ֖ל

H7592

require

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

מֵֽעִמָּ֑ךְ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#10

לְ֠יִרְאָה

H3372

of thee but to fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#11

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#14

לָלֶ֤כֶת

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#15

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

דְּרָכָיו֙

H1870

in all his ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#17

וּלְאַֽהֲבָ֣ה

H157

and to love

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

#18

אֹת֔וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#19

וְלַֽעֲבֹד֙

H5647

him and to serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#20

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#21

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#22

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#23

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#24

לְבָֽבְךָ֖

H3824

with all thy heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#25

וּבְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#26

נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃

H5315

and with all thy soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Deuteronomy chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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Deuteronomy 10:12

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources