Deuteronomy 20:15

Authorized King James Version

Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֵּ֤ן
H3651
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה֙
H6213
Thus shalt thou do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
לְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
מֵעָרֵ֥י
H5892
are not of the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#5
הָֽרְחֹקֹ֥ת
H7350
far off
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
#6
מִמְּךָ֖
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
מְאֹ֑ד
H3966
which are very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#8
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
מֵעָרֵ֥י
H5892
are not of the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#11
הַגּֽוֹיִם
H1471
of these nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#12
הָאֵ֖לֶּה
H428
these or those
#13
הֵֽנָּה׃
H2007
from thee which
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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