Deuteronomy 19:2

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׁל֥וֹשׁ
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#2
עָרִ֖ים
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#3
תַּבְדִּ֣יל
Thou shalt separate
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
#4
לָ֑ךְ
H0
#5
בְּת֣וֹךְ
for thee in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#6
אַרְצְךָ֔
of thy land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
יְהוָ֣ה
which the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
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
#10
נֹתֵ֥ן
giveth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
לְךָ֖
H0
#12
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃
thee to possess
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

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

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