Deuteronomy 18:5

Authorized King James Version

For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ב֗וֹ

בָּחַ֛ר

H977

hath chosen

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

For the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ

H430

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

מִכָּל

H3605

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

שְׁבָטֶ֑יךָ

H7626

him out of all thy tribes

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

לַֽעֲמֹ֨ד

H5975

to stand

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לְשָׁרֵ֧ת

H8334

to minister

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

#10

בְּשֵׁם

H8034

in the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#11

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

For the LORD

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

#12

ה֥וּא

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

#13

וּבָנָ֖יו

H1121

him and his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#14

כָּל

H3605

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

#15

הַיָּמִֽים׃

H3117

for ever

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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Deuteronomy 18:5

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources