Deuteronomy 10:9

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כֵּ֞ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
הָיָ֧ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
לְלֵוִ֛י
Wherefore Levi
levi, a son of jacob
#6
חֵ֥לֶק
hath no part
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
#7
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
is his inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#8
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#9
אֶחָ֑יו
with his brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#10
יְהוָ֥ה
according as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
ה֣וּא
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
#12
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
is his inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#13
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
דִּבֶּ֛ר
promised
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#15
יְהוָ֥ה
according as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
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
#17
לֽוֹ׃
H0

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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