Deuteronomy 13:2

Authorized King James Version

And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבָ֤א
come to pass
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
הָאוֹת֙
And the sign
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
#3
וְהַמּוֹפֵ֔ת
or the wonder
a miracle; by implication, a token or omen
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
דִּבֶּ֥ר
whereof he spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#6
אֵלֶ֖יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
לֵאמֹ֑ר
unto thee saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
נֵֽלְכָ֞ה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
אַֽחֲרֵ֨י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
אֱלֹהִ֧ים
gods
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
#11
אֲחֵרִ֛ים
other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#12
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יְדַעְתָּ֖ם
which thou hast not known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#15
וְנָֽעָבְדֵֽם׃
and let us serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

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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