Deuteronomy 15:20

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt eat it before the LORD thy God year by year in the place which the LORD shall choose, thou and thy household.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לִפְנֵי֩
it before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#2
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֱלֹהֶ֤יךָ
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
#4
תֹֽאכְלֶ֙נּוּ֙
Thou shalt eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#5
בְשָׁנָ֔ה
by year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#6
בְשָׁנָ֔ה
by year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#7
בַּמָּק֖וֹם
in the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#8
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
יִבְחַ֣ר
shall choose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#10
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#12
וּבֵיתֶֽךָ׃
thou and thy household
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

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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