Deuteronomy 17:3

Authorized King James Version

And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
וַֽיַּעֲבֹד֙
and served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#3
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
gods
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
#4
אֲחֵרִ֔ים
other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#5
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
and worshipped
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#6
לָהֶ֑ם
H0
#7
וְלַשֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ׀
them either the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
#8
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#9
לַיָּרֵ֗חַ
or moon
the moon
#10
א֛וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#11
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
צְבָ֥א
or any of the host
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#13
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם
of heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#14
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
צִוִּֽיתִי׃
which I have not commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

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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