Deuteronomy 10:15

Authorized King James Version

Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רַ֧ק
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
#2
בַּֽאֲבֹתֶ֛יךָ
H1
in thy fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#3
חָשַׁ֥ק
had a delight
to cling, i.e., join, (figuratively) to love, delight in; elliptically; to deliver
#4
יְהוָ֖ה
Only the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
לְאַֽהֲבָ֣ה
to love
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#6
אוֹתָ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
וַיִּבְחַ֞ר
them and he chose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#8
בְּזַרְעָ֣ם
their seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#9
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֗ם
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
בָּכֶ֛ם
H0
#11
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
הָֽעַמִּ֖ים
them even you above all people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#13
כַּיּ֥וֹם
as it is this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#14
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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