Deuteronomy 12:24

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹ֖א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תֹּֽאכְלֶ֑נּוּ
Thou shalt not eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
הָאָ֥רֶץ
it upon the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
תִּשְׁפְּכֶ֖נּוּ
it thou shalt pour
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
#6
כַּמָּֽיִם׃
as water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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