Deuteronomy 19:18

Authorized King James Version

And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְדָֽרְשׁ֥וּ
inquisition
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#2
הַשֹּֽׁפְטִ֖ים
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
#3
הֵיטֵ֑ב
shall make diligent
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#4
וְהִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#5
הָעֵ֔ד
and behold if the witness
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#6
שֶׁ֖קֶר
be a false
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#7
הָעֵ֔ד
and behold if the witness
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#8
שֶׁ֖קֶר
be a false
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#9
עָנָ֥ה
and hath testified
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#10
בְאָחִֽיו׃
against his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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 revelation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

Study Resources