Deuteronomy 17:8

Authorized King James Version

If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יִפָּלֵא֩
H6381
too hard
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
#3
מִמְּךָ֙
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#4
דִּבְרֵ֥י
H1697
If there arise a matter
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
לַמִּשְׁפָּ֗ט
H4941
for thee in judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#6
בֵּֽין
H996
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#7
לְדָ֜ם
H1818
and blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#8
לְדָ֜ם
H1818
and blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#9
בֵּֽין
H996
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#10
לְדִ֗ין
H1779
and plea
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
#11
לְדִ֗ין
H1779
and plea
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
#12
וּבֵ֥ין
H996
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#13
לָנֶ֔גַע
H5061
and between stroke
a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)
#14
לָנֶ֔גַע
H5061
and between stroke
a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)
#15
דִּבְרֵ֥י
H1697
If there arise a matter
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#16
רִיבֹ֖ת
H7379
of controversy
a contest (personal or legal)
#17
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֑יךָ
H8179
within thy gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#18
וְקַמְתָּ֣
H6965
then shalt thou arise
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#19
וְעָלִ֔יתָ
H5927
and get thee up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#20
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#21
הַמָּק֔וֹם
H4725
into the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#22
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#23
יִבְחַ֛ר
H977
shall choose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#24
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
which the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#25
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
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
#26
בּֽוֹ׃
H0

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 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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