Deuteronomy 12:15

Authorized King James Version

Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רַק֩
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
#2
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
אַוַּ֨ת
lusteth after
longing
#4
נַפְשְׁךָ֜
whatsoever thy soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#5
תִּזְבַּ֣ח׀
Notwithstanding thou mayest kill
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#6
יֹֽאכְלֶ֔נּוּ
and eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#7
בָשָׂ֗ר
flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#8
כְּבִרְכַּ֨ת
according to the blessing
benediction; by implication prosperity
#9
יְהוָ֧ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ
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
#11
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
נָֽתַן
which he hath given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
לְךָ֖
H0
#14
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
שְׁעָרֶ֑יךָ
in all thy gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#16
הַטָּמֵ֤א
thee the unclean
foul in a religious sense
#17
וְהַטָּהוֹר֙
and the clean
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
#18
יֹֽאכְלֶ֔נּוּ
and eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#19
כַּצְּבִ֖י
thereof as of the roebuck
a gazelle (as beautiful)
#20
וְכָֽאַיָּֽל׃
and as of the hart
a stag or male deer

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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