Deuteronomy 12:2

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תְּ֠אַבְּדוּן
H6
Ye shall utterly
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#2
תְּ֠אַבְּדוּן
H6
Ye shall utterly
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#3
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
הַמְּקֹמ֞וֹת
all the places
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
which
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
עָֽבְדוּ
served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#8
שָׁ֣ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#9
הַגּוֹיִ֗ם
wherein the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
which
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
אַתֶּ֛ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#12
יֹֽרְשִׁ֥ים
ye shall possess
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#13
אֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם
their 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
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
הֶֽהָרִ֤ים
mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#18
הָֽרָמִים֙
upon the high
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#19
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#20
הַגְּבָע֔וֹת
and upon the hills
a hillock
#21
וְתַ֖חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#22
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#23
עֵ֥ץ
tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#24
רַֽעֲנָֽן׃
and under every green
verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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