Deuteronomy 17:12

Authorized King James Version

And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָאִ֣ישׁ
H376
And the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#2
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
H6213
that will do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
בְזָד֗וֹן
H2087
presumptuously
arrogance
#5
לְבִלְתִּ֨י
H1115
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#6
שְׁמֹ֤עַ
H8085
and will not hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#7
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
הַכֹּהֵן֙
H3548
unto the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#9
הָֽעֹמֵ֞ד
H5975
that standeth
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#10
לְשָׁ֤רֶת
H8334
to minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#11
שָׁם֙
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#12
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
there before the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
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
#15
א֖וֹ
H176
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#16
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#17
הַשֹּׁפֵ֑ט
H8199
or unto the judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#18
וּמֵת֙
H4191
shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#19
הָאִ֣ישׁ
H376
And the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#20
הַה֔וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#21
וּבִֽעַרְתָּ֥
H1197
and thou shalt put away
to be(-come) brutish
#22
הָרָ֖ע
H7451
the evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#23
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
from Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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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