Deuteronomy 19:4

Authorized King James Version

And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְזֶה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#2
דְּבַ֣ר
And this is the case
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
הָֽרֹצֵ֔חַ
of the slayer
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
יָנ֥וּס
which shall flee
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#6
שָׁ֖מָּה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#7
וָחָ֑י
thither that he may live
to live; causatively to revive
#8
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
יַכֶּ֤ה
Whoso killeth
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙
his neighbour
an associate (more or less close)
#12
בִּבְלִי
ignorantly
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
#13
דַ֔עַת
knowledge
#14
וְה֛וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#15
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
שֹׂנֵ֥א
whom he hated
to hate (personally)
#17
ל֖וֹ
H0
#18
מִתְּמֹ֥ל
not in time
properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday
#19
שִׁלְשֹֽׁם׃
past
trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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