Deuteronomy 16:15

Authorized King James Version

Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שִׁבְעַ֣ת

H7651

Seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִ֗ים

H3117

days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תָּחֹג֙

H2287

shalt thou keep a solemn feast

properly, to move in a circle, i.e., (specifically) to march in a sacred procession, to observe a festival; by implication, to be giddy

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

because the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ

H430

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

בַּמָּק֖וֹם

H4725

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)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִבְחַ֣ר

H977

shall choose

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

because the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֞

H1288

shall 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

#12

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

because the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ

H430

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

#14

בְּכֹ֤ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#15

תְּבוּאָֽתְךָ֙

H8393

thee in all thine increase

income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

#16

וּבְכֹל֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה

H4639

and in all the works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#18

יָדֶ֔יךָ

H3027

of thine hands

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

#19

וְהָיִ֖יתָ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#20

אַ֥ךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

#21

שָׂמֵֽחַ׃

H8056

therefore thou shalt surely rejoice

blithe or gleeful

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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Deuteronomy 16:15

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources