Deuteronomy 10:8

Authorized King James Version

At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּעֵ֣ת
H6256
At that time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#2
הַהִ֗וא
H1931
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
#3
הִבְדִּ֤יל
H914
separated
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
#4
יְהוָ֤ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
שֵׁ֣בֶט
H7626
the tribe
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#7
הַלֵּוִ֔י
H3878
of Levi
levi, a son of jacob
#8
לָשֵׂ֖את
H5375
to bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#9
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
אֲר֣וֹן
H727
the ark
a box
#11
בְּרִית
H1285
of the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#12
יְהוָ֤ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
לַֽעֲמֹד֩
H5975
to stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#14
לִפְנֵ֨י
H6440
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#15
יְהוָ֤ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
לְשָֽׁרְתוֹ֙
H8334
to minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#17
וּלְבָרֵ֣ךְ
H1288
unto him and to bless
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#18
בִּשְׁמ֔וֹ
H8034
in his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#19
עַ֖ד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#20
הַיּ֥וֹם
H3117
unto 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
#21
הַזֶּֽה׃
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant 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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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