Deuteronomy 16:1

Authorized King James Version

Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׁמוֹר֙
Observe
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בְּחֹ֣דֶשׁ
for in the month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#4
הָֽאָבִ֗יב
H24
of Abib
green, i.e., a young ear of grain; hence, the name of the month abib or nisan
#5
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ
and keep
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
פֶּ֔סַח
the passover
a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)
#7
יְהוָ֧ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ
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
#9
כִּ֞י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
בְּחֹ֣דֶשׁ
for in the month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#11
הָֽאָבִ֗יב
H24
of Abib
green, i.e., a young ear of grain; hence, the name of the month abib or nisan
#12
הוֹצִ֨יאֲךָ֜
brought thee forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#13
יְהוָ֧ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ
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
מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם
out of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#16
לָֽיְלָה׃
by night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

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

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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