Deuteronomy 10:4

Authorized King James Version

And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּכְתֹּ֨ב
And he wrote
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#2
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
הַלֻּחֹ֜ת
on the tables
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
#4
כַּמִּכְתָּ֣ב
writing
a thing written, the characters, or a document (letter, copy, edict, poem)
#5
הָֽרִאשׁ֗וֹן
according to the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#6
אֵ֚ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת
the ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#8
הַדְּבָרִ֔ים
commandments
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#9
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
דִּבֶּר֩
spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#11
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
אֲלֵיכֶ֥ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
בָּהָ֛ר
unto you in the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#14
מִתּ֥וֹךְ
out of the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#15
הָאֵ֖שׁ
of the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#16
בְּי֣וֹם
in the 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
#17
הַקָּהָ֑ל
of the assembly
assemblage (usually concretely)
#18
וַיִּתְּנֵ֥ם
gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#19
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#20
אֵלָֽי׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

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