Deuteronomy 12:32

Authorized King James Version

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֣ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
הַדָּבָ֗ר
H1697
What thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
אָֽנֹכִי֙
H595
i
#6
מְצַוֶּ֣ה
H6680
soever I command
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#7
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
אֹת֥וֹ
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
תִשְׁמְר֖וּ
H8104
you observe
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#10
לַֽעֲשׂ֑וֹת
H6213
to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
תֹסֵ֣ף
H3254
it thou shalt not add
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#13
עָלָ֔יו
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
תִגְרַ֖ע
H1639
thereto nor diminish
to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold
#16
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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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