Deuteronomy 18:13

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תָּמִ֣ים
Thou shalt be perfect
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
#2
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
עִ֖ם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
יְהוָ֥ה
with the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
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

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 divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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