Deuteronomy 12:22

Authorized King James Version

Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֗ךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#2
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
יֹֽאכְלֶֽנּוּ׃
is eaten
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#4
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַצְּבִי֙
Even as the roebuck
a gazelle (as beautiful)
#6
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
הָ֣אַיָּ֔ל
and the hart
a stag or male deer
#8
כֵּ֖ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#9
יֹֽאכְלֶֽנּוּ׃
is eaten
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#10
הַטָּמֵא֙
them the unclean
foul in a religious sense
#11
וְהַטָּה֔וֹר
and the clean
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
#12
יַחְדָּ֖ו
of them alike
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
#13
יֹֽאכְלֶֽנּוּ׃
is eaten
to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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