Deuteronomy 2:8

Authorized King James Version

And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Ezion-gaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֔ר
And when we passed
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#2
מֵאֵ֧ת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#3
אַחֵ֣ינוּ
by from our brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#4
בְנֵֽי
the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
עֵשָׂ֗ו
of Esau
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity
#6
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙
which dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#7
בְּשֵׂעִ֔יר
in Seir
seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine
#8
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#9
הָֽעֲרָבָ֔ה
of the plain
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
#10
מֵֽאֵילַ֖ת
from Elath
eloth or elath, a place on the red sea
#11
וּמֵֽעֶצְיֹ֣ן
H0
#12
גָּ֑בֶר
and from Eziongaber
etsjon-geber, a place on the red sea
#13
וַנֵּ֙פֶן֙
we turned
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#14
וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֔ר
And when we passed
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#15
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#16
מִדְבַּ֥ר
of the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#17
מוֹאָֽב׃
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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