Deuteronomy 19:11

Authorized King James Version

But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכִֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יִהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
אִישׁ֙
But if any man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
שֹׂנֵ֣א
hate
to hate (personally)
#5
לְרֵעֵ֔הוּ
his neighbour
an associate (more or less close)
#6
וְאָ֤רַב
and lie in wait
to lurk
#7
לוֹ֙
H0
#8
וְקָ֣ם
for him and rise up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#9
עָלָ֔יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
וְהִכָּ֥הוּ
against him and smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#11
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
him mortally
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#12
וָמֵ֑ת
that he die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#13
וְנָ֕ס
and fleeth
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#14
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
אַחַ֖ת
into one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#16
הֶֽעָרִ֥ים
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#17
הָאֵֽל׃
of these
these or those

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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