Deuteronomy 13:7

Authorized King James Version

Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֵֽאֱלֹהֵ֣י
Namely of the 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
#2
הָֽעַמִּ֗ים
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
which are round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#5
הַקְּרֹבִ֣ים
you nigh
near (in place, kindred or time)
#6
אֵלֶ֔יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
א֖וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#8
הָֽרְחֹקִ֣ים
unto thee or far off
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
#9
מִמֶּ֑ךָּ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#10
קְצֵ֥ה
even unto the other end
an extremity
#11
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
וְעַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#13
קְצֵ֥ה
even unto the other end
an extremity
#14
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources