Deuteronomy 19:8

Authorized King James Version

And if the LORD thy God enlarge thy coast, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, and give thee all the land which he promised to give unto thy fathers;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יַרְחִ֞יב

H7337

enlarge

to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

And if the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙

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

אֶת

H853

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

גְּבֻ֣לְךָ֔

H1366

thy coast

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

נִשְׁבַּ֖ע

H7650

as he hath sworn

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לַֽאֲבֹתֶֽיךָ׃

unto thy fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#10

לָתֵ֥ת

H5414

and give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#11

לְךָ֙

#12

אֶת

H853

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

#13

כָּל

H3605

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

#14

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

thee all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#15

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#16

דִּבֶּ֖ר

H1696

which he promised

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#17

לָתֵ֥ת

H5414

and give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#18

לַֽאֲבֹתֶֽיךָ׃

unto thy fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights covenant 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant 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

What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this verse's literary context within Deuteronomy chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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Deuteronomy 19:8

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources