Deuteronomy 19:3

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תָּכִ֣ין

H3559

Thou shalt prepare

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

לְךָ֮

הַדֶּרֶךְ֒

H1870

thee a way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וְשִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙

H8027

into three parts

to be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in portions, strands, days or years)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

גְּב֣וּל

H1366

and divide the coasts

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

אַרְצְךָ֔

H776

of thy land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַנְחִֽילְךָ֖

H5157

giveth thee to inherit

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

#10

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

which the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#11

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ

H430

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

#12

וְהָיָ֕ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

לָנ֥וּס

H5127

may flee

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

#14

שָׁ֖מָּה

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#15

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

רֹצֵֽחַ׃

H7523

that every slayer

properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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Deuteronomy 19:3

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources