Deuteronomy 17:18

Authorized King James Version

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כְשִׁבְתּ֔וֹ
And it shall be when he sitteth
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
כִּסֵּ֣א
upon the throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#5
מַמְלַכְתּ֑וֹ
of his kingdom
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
#6
וְכָ֨תַב
that he shall write
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#7
ל֜וֹ
H0
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
מִשְׁנֵ֨ה
him a copy
properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc
#10
הַתּוֹרָ֤ה
of this law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#11
הַזֹּאת֙
this (often used adverb)
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
סֵ֔פֶר
in a book
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#14
מִלִּפְנֵ֥י
out of that which is before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#15
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֥ים
the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#16
הַלְוִיִּֽם׃
the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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