Deuteronomy 11:28

Authorized King James Version

And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַקְּלָלָ֗ה
And a curse
vilification
#2
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#3
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
תִשְׁמְעוּ֙
if ye will not obey
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
מִצְוֹת֙
the commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#7
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
gods
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
#9
וְסַרְתֶּ֣ם
but turn aside
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#10
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#11
הַדֶּ֔רֶךְ
out of the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#12
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
אָֽנֹכִ֛י
i
#14
מְצַוֶּ֥ה
which I command
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#15
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
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
#17
לָלֶ֗כֶת
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#18
אַֽחֲרֵ֛י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#19
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
gods
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
#20
אֲחֵרִ֖ים
other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#21
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#22
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#23
יְדַעְתֶּֽם׃
which ye have not known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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