Deuteronomy 14:6

Authorized King James Version

And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that ye shall eat.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
בַּבְּהֵמָ֑ה
And every beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#3
מַפְרֶ֣סֶת
that parteth
to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute
#4
פְרָס֔וֹת
claws
a claw or split hoof
#5
וְשֹׁסַ֤עַת
the cleft
to split or tear; figuratively, to upbraid
#6
שֶׁ֙סַע֙
and cleaveth
a fissure
#7
שְׁתֵּ֣י
into two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#8
פְרָס֔וֹת
claws
a claw or split hoof
#9
מַֽעֲלַ֥ת
and cheweth
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#10
גֵּרָ֖ה
the cud
the cud (as scraping the throat)
#11
בַּבְּהֵמָ֑ה
And every beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#12
אֹתָ֖הּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃
that ye shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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