Deuteronomy 11:26

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רְאֵ֗ה
Behold
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
אָֽנֹכִ֛י
i
#3
נֹתֵ֥ן
I set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#4
לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם
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
#5
הַיּ֑וֹם
you 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
#6
בְּרָכָ֖ה
a blessing
benediction; by implication prosperity
#7
וּקְלָלָֽה׃
and a curse
vilification

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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