Deuteronomy 18:10

Authorized King James Version

There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יִמָּצֵ֣א
There shall not be found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#3
בְךָ֔
H0
#4
מַֽעֲבִ֥יר
to pass
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#5
בְּנֽוֹ
among you any one that maketh his son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
וּבִתּ֖וֹ
or his daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#7
בָּאֵ֑שׁ
through the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#8
קֹסֵ֣ם
divination
a lot; also divination (including its fee), oracle
#9
קְסָמִ֔ים
or that useth
properly, to distribute, i.e., determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine
#10
מְעוֹנֵ֥ן
or an observer of times
figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., practise magic
#11
וּמְנַחֵ֖שׁ
or an enchanter
properly, to hiss, i.e., whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate
#12
וּמְכַשֵּֽׁף׃
or a witch
properly, to whisper a spell, i.e., to inchant or practise magic

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources