Deuteronomy 19:15

Authorized King James Version

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יָק֥וּם
be established
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#3
עֵדִ֖ים
witness
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#4
אֶחָ֜ד
One
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#5
בְּאִ֗ישׁ
against a 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)
#6
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
עָוֹן֙
for any iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#8
וּלְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
חַטָּ֔את
or for any sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#10
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
חֵ֖טְא
in any sin
a crime or its penalty
#12
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
יֶֽחֱטָ֑א
that he sinneth
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
פִּ֥י
at the mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#16
שְׁנֵ֣י
of two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#17
עֵדִ֖ים
witness
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#18
א֛וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#19
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#20
פִּ֥י
at the mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#21
שְׁלֹשָֽׁה
of three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#22
עֵדִ֖ים
witness
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#23
יָק֥וּם
be established
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#24
דָּבָֽר׃
shall the matter
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

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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