Deuteronomy 15:4

Authorized King James Version

Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶ֕פֶס
Save
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
#2
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יִֽהְיֶה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
בְּךָ֖
H0
#6
אֶבְי֑וֹן
H34
when there shall be no poor
destitute
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֙
bless
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#9
יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֙
bless
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#10
יְהוָ֣ה
among you for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
בָּאָ֕רֶץ
thee in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
יְהוָ֣ה
among you for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
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
#15
נֹֽתֵן
giveth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#16
לְךָ֥
H0
#17
נַֽחֲלָ֖ה
thee for an inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#18
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃
to possess
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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