Deuteronomy 15:7

Authorized King James Version

If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יִהְיֶה֩
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
בְךָ֙
H0
#4
הָֽאֶבְיֽוֹן׃
H34
If there be among you a poor man
destitute
#5
בְּאַחַ֣ד
of one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#6
מֵֽאָחִ֖יךָ
brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#7
בְּאַחַ֣ד
of one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#8
שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ
of thy gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#9
בְּאַ֨רְצְךָ֔
in thy land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
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
#13
נֹתֵ֣ן
giveth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
לָ֑ךְ
H0
#15
לֹ֧א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
תְאַמֵּ֣ץ
thee thou shalt not harden
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
#17
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
לְבָֽבְךָ֗
thine heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#19
וְלֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#20
תִקְפֹּץ֙
nor shut
to draw together, i.e., close; by implication, to leap (by contracting the limbs); specifically, to die (from gathering up the feet)
#21
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#22
יָ֣דְךָ֔
thine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#23
מֵֽאָחִ֖יךָ
brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#24
הָֽאֶבְיֽוֹן׃
H34
If there be among you a poor man
destitute

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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