Deuteronomy 17:15

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תָּשִׂ֤ים
Thou shalt in any wise
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#2
תָּשִׂ֤ים
Thou shalt in any wise
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#3
עָלֶ֙יךָ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
מֶ֔לֶךְ
him king
a king
#5
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
יִבְחַ֛ר
shall choose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#7
יְהוָ֥ה
over thee whom the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
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
#9
בּ֑וֹ
H0
#10
מִקֶּ֣רֶב
one from among
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#11
אָחִ֖יךָ
over thee which is not thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#12
תָּשִׂ֤ים
Thou shalt in any wise
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#13
עָלֶ֙יךָ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
מֶ֔לֶךְ
him king
a king
#15
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
תוּכַ֗ל
over thee thou mayest
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#17
לָתֵ֤ת
not set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#18
עָלֶ֙יךָ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
אִ֣ישׁ
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
נָכְרִ֔י
a stranger
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
#21
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#22
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#23
אָחִ֖יךָ
over thee which is not thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#24
הֽוּא׃
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

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

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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