Deuteronomy 17:11

Authorized King James Version

According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
פִּ֨י
According to the sentence
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#3
הַתּוֹרָ֜ה
of the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
יוֹר֗וּךָ
which they shall teach
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
#6
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט
thee and according to the judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#8
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
יֹֽאמְר֥וּ
which they shall tell
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
לְךָ֖
H0
#11
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה
thee thou shalt do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
תָס֗וּר
thou shalt not decline
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#14
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#15
הַדָּבָ֛ר
from the sentence
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#16
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
יַגִּ֥ידֽוּ
which they shall shew
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#18
לְךָ֖
H0
#19
יָמִ֥ין
thee to the right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#20
וּשְׂמֹֽאל׃
nor to the left
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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