Deuteronomy 19:6

Authorized King James Version

Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.

Word-by-Word Analysis

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

יִרְדֹּף֩

H7291

pursue

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

גֹּאֵ֨ל

H1350

Lest the avenger

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

הַדָּ֜ם

H1818

of the blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י

H310

the slayer

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הָֽרֹצֵ֗חַ

H7523

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

כִּ֠י

H3588

inasmuch as

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יֵחַם֮

H3179

is hot

probably to be hot; figuratively, to conceive

לְבָבוֹ֒

H3824

his heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#10

וְהִשִּׂיג֛וֹ

H5381

and overtake

to reach (literally or figuratively)

#11

כִּ֠י

H3588

inasmuch as

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

יִרְבֶּ֥ה

H7235

is long

to increase (in whatever respect)

#13

הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ

H1870

him because the way

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

#14

וְהִכָּ֣הוּ

H5221

and slay

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#15

נָ֑פֶשׁ

H5315

him

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#16

וְלוֹ֙

#17

אֵ֣ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#18

מִשְׁפַּט

H4941

whereas he was not worthy

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#19

מָ֔וֶת

H4194

of death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

#20

כִּ֠י

H3588

inasmuch as

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#21

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

שֹׂנֵ֥א

H8130

he hated

to hate (personally)

#23

ה֛וּא

H1931

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

#24

ל֖וֹ

#25

מִתְּמ֥וֹל

H8543

him not in time

properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday

#26

שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם׃

H8032

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

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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Deuteronomy 19:6

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources