Deuteronomy 19:9

Authorized King James Version

If thou shalt keep all these commandments to do them, which I command thee this day, to love the LORD thy God, and to walk ever in his ways; then shalt thou add three cities more for thee, beside these three:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
תִשְׁמֹר֩
If thou shalt keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
הַמִּצְוָ֨ה
all these commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#6
הַזֹּ֜את
this (often used adverb)
#7
לַֽעֲשֹׂתָ֗הּ
to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#8
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
אָֽנֹכִ֣י
i
#10
מְצַוְּךָ֮
them which I command
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#11
הַיָּמִ֑ים
ever
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#12
לְאַֽהֲבָ֞ה
to love
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
יְהוָ֧ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ
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
#16
וְלָלֶ֥כֶת
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#17
בִּדְרָכָ֖יו
in his ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#18
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#19
הַיָּמִ֑ים
ever
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#20
וְיָֽסַפְתָּ֙
then shalt thou add
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#21
לְךָ֥
H0
#22
עוֹד֙
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#23
הַשָּׁלֹ֥שׁ
more for thee beside these three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#24
עָרִ֔ים
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#25
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#26
הַשָּׁלֹ֥שׁ
more for thee beside these three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#27
הָאֵֽלֶּה׃
these or those

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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