Deuteronomy 13:16

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶת
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
שְׁלָלָהּ֙
H7998
all the spoil
booty
#4
תִּקְבֹּץ֮
H6908
And thou shalt gather
to grasp, i.e., collect
#5
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
תּ֣וֹךְ
H8432
of it into the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#7
רְחֹבָהּ֒
H7339
of the street
a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area
#8
וְשָֽׂרַפְתָּ֙
H8313
thereof and shalt burn
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#9
בָאֵ֜שׁ
H784
with fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#10
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הָעִ֤יר
H5892
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#12
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
שְׁלָלָהּ֙
H7998
all the spoil
booty
#15
כָּלִ֔יל
H3632
thereof every whit
complete; as noun, the whole (specifically, a sacrifice entirely consumed); as adverb, fully
#16
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
H3068
for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
H430
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
#18
וְהָֽיְתָה֙
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#19
תֵּ֣ל
H8510
and it shall be an heap
a mound
#20
עוֹלָ֔ם
H5769
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#21
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#22
תִבָּנֶ֖ה
H1129
it shall not be built again
to build (literally and figuratively)
#23
עֽוֹד׃
H5750
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

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 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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