Deuteronomy 13:12

Authorized King James Version

If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
תִשְׁמַ֞ע
If thou shalt hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
בְּאַחַ֣ת
say in one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#4
עָרֶ֗יךָ
of thy cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#5
אֲשֶׁר֩
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
יְהוָ֨ה
which the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ
thy God
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
#8
נֹתֵ֥ן
hath given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
לְךָ֛
H0
#10
לָשֶׁ֥בֶת
thee to dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#11
שָׁ֖ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#12
לֵאמֹֽר׃
there saying
to say (used with great latitude)

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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