Deuteronomy 17:9

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבָאתָ֗
And thou shalt come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
unto the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
הַלְוִיִּ֔ם
the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#5
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
הַשֹּׁפֵ֔ט
and unto the judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#7
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
that shall be in those days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#10
הָהֵ֑ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#11
וְדָֽרַשְׁתָּ֙
and enquire
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#12
וְהִגִּ֣ידֽוּ
and they shall shew
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#13
לְךָ֔
H0
#14
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
דְּבַ֥ר
thee the sentence
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#16
הַמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃
of judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation 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

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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