Deuteronomy 19:17

Authorized King James Version

Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָֽמְד֧וּ
is shall stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#2
שְׁנֵֽי
Then both
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
הָאֲנָשִׁ֛ים
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
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
לָהֶ֥ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
הָרִ֖יב
between whom the controversy
a contest (personal or legal)
#7
לִפְנֵ֤י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
לִפְנֵ֤י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#11
וְהַשֹּׁ֣פְטִ֔ים
and the judges
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#12
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
יִֽהְי֖וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
בַּיָּמִ֥ים
which shall be in those days
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
#15
הָהֵֽם׃
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources