Deuteronomy 18:22

Authorized King James Version

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲשֶׁר֩
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
דִּבְּר֣וֹ
H1696
hath not spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#3
הַנָּבִ֔יא
H5030
When a prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#4
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
H8034
in the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#5
יְהוָ֑ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יִהְיֶ֤ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
הַדָּבָ֔ר
H1697
if the thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#9
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יָבֹ֔א
H935
follow not nor come to pass
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
ה֣וּא
H1931
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
#12
הַדָּבָ֔ר
H1697
if the thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#13
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
דִּבְּר֣וֹ
H1696
hath not spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#16
יְהוָ֑ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
בְּזָדוֹן֙
H2087
it presumptuously
arrogance
#18
דִּבְּר֣וֹ
H1696
hath not spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#19
הַנָּבִ֔יא
H5030
When a prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#20
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#21
תָג֖וּר
H1481
thou shalt not be afraid
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
#22
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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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