Deuteronomy 15:17

Authorized King James Version

Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֣
Then thou shalt take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַמַּרְצֵ֗עַ
an aul
an awl
#4
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה
and thrust
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
בְאָזְנוֹ֙
it through his ear
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#6
וּבַדֶּ֔לֶת
unto the door
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#7
וְהָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
לְךָ֖
H0
#9
עֶ֣בֶד
and he shall be thy servant
a servant
#10
עוֹלָ֑ם
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#11
וְאַ֥ף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#12
לַאֲמָֽתְךָ֖
And also unto thy maidservant
a maid-servant or female slave
#13
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה
thou shalt do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
כֵּֽן׃
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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