Deuteronomy 10:17

Authorized King James Version

For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֚י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יְהוָ֣ה
For the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
is 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
#4
ה֚וּא
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
#5
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
is 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
#6
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
is 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
#7
הָֽאֲדֹנִ֑ים
and Lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#8
הָֽאֲדֹנִ֑ים
and Lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#9
הָאֵ֨ל
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#10
הַגָּדֹ֤ל
a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#11
הַגִּבֹּר֙
a mighty
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#12
וְהַנּוֹרָ֔א
and a terrible
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#13
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
יִשָּׂ֣א
which regardeth
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#16
פָנִ֔ים
not persons
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#17
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
יִקַּ֖ח
nor taketh
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#19
שֹֽׁחַד׃
reward
a donation (venal or redemptive)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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