Deuteronomy 2:5

Authorized King James Version

Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תִּתְגָּר֣וּ
Meddle
properly, to grate, i.e., (figuratively) to anger
#3
בָ֔ם
H0
#4
כִּ֠י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
נָתַ֖תִּי
because I have given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
לָכֶם֙
H0
#8
מֵֽאַרְצָ֔ם
you of their land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
עַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#10
מִדְרַ֣ךְ
breadth
a treading, i.e., a place for stepping on
#11
כַּף
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#12
רָ֑גֶל
no not so much as a foot
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#13
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
יְרֻשָּׁ֣ה
for a possession
something occupied; a conquest; also a patrimony
#15
לְעֵשָׂ֔ו
unto Esau
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity
#16
נָתַ֖תִּי
because I have given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#17
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
הַ֥ר
mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#19
שֵׂעִֽיר׃
Seir
seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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