Deuteronomy 17:7

Authorized King James Version

The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיַ֥ד
The hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#2
הָֽעֵדִ֞ים
of the witnesses
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#3
תִּֽהְיֶה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
בּ֤וֹ
H0
#5
בָרִֽאשֹׁנָה֙
shall be first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#6
לַֽהֲמִית֔וֹ
upon him to put him to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#7
וְיַ֥ד
The hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#8
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
הָעָ֖ם
of all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
בָּאַֽחֲרֹנָ֑ה
and afterward
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
#11
וּבִֽעַרְתָּ֥
So thou shalt put
to be(-come) brutish
#12
הָרָ֖ע
the evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#13
מִקִּרְבֶּֽךָ׃
from among
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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