Deuteronomy 12:17

Authorized King James Version

Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תוּכַ֞ל
Thou mayest
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#3
לֶֽאֱכֹ֣ל
not eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#4
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֗יךָ
within thy gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#5
מַעְשַׂ֤ר
the tithe
a tenth; especially a tithe
#6
דְּגָֽנְךָ֙
of thy corn
properly, increase, i.e., grain
#7
וְתִֽירֹשְׁךָ֣
or of thy wine
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
#8
וְיִצְהָרֶ֔ךָ
or of thy oil
oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing
#9
וּבְכֹרֹ֥ת
or the firstlings
the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture
#10
בְּקָֽרְךָ֖
of thy herds
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#11
וְצֹאנֶ֑ךָ
or of thy flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#12
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
נְדָרֶ֙יךָ֙
nor any of thy vows
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
#14
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
תִּדֹּ֔ר
which thou vowest
to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)
#16
וְנִדְבֹתֶ֖יךָ
nor thy freewill offerings
properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift
#17
וּתְרוּמַ֥ת
or heave offering
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
#18
יָדֶֽךָ׃
of thine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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