Deuteronomy 20:18

Authorized King James Version

That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְמַ֗עַן
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#2
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יְלַמְּד֤וּ
H3925
That they teach
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#5
אֶתְכֶם֙
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
עָשׂ֖וּ
H6213
which they have done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
כְּכֹל֙
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
תּֽוֹעֲבֹתָ֔ם
H8441
after all their abominations
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
#9
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
עָשׂ֖וּ
H6213
which they have done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
H430
unto their gods
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
#12
וַֽחֲטָאתֶ֖ם
H2398
so should ye sin
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#13
לַֽיהוָ֥ה
H3068
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
H430
unto their gods
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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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