Deuteronomy 18:16

Authorized King James Version

According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כְּכֹ֨ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שָׁאַ֜לְתָּ

H7592

According to all that thou desiredst

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

מֵעִ֨ם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהָ֔י

H430

my 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

בְּחֹרֵ֔ב

H2722

in Horeb

choreb, a (generic) name for the sinaitic mountains

בְּי֥וֹם

H3117

in the day

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

הַקָּהָ֖ל

H6951

of the assembly

assemblage (usually concretely)

#10

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

אֹסֵ֗ף

H3254

again

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

#13

לִשְׁמֹ֙עַ֙

H8085

Let me not hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#14

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

קוֹל֙

H6963

the voice

a voice or sound

#16

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#17

אֱלֹהָ֔י

H430

my 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

#18

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#19

הָאֵ֨שׁ

H784

fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#20

הַגְּדֹלָ֥ה

H1419

this great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#21

הַזֹּ֛את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#22

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#23

אֶרְאֶ֥ה

H7200

neither let me see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#24

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#25

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#26

אָמֽוּת׃

H4191

any more that I die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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Deuteronomy 18:16

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources