Deuteronomy 18:2

Authorized King James Version

Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
Therefore shall they have no inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#2
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
יִֽהְיֶה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
לּ֖וֹ
H0
#5
בְּקֶ֣רֶב
among
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#6
אֶחָ֑יו
their brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#7
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
ה֣וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
Therefore shall they have no inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#10
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
דִּבֶּר
as he hath said
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#12
לֽוֹ׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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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