Deuteronomy 20:7

Authorized King James Version

And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמִֽי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#2
וְאִ֥ישׁ
And what man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
אֵרַ֤שׂ
is there that hath betrothed
to promise to marry
#5
אִשָּׁה֙
a wife
a woman
#6
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יִקָּחֶֽנָּה׃
and hath not taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#8
יֵלֵ֖ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
וְיָשֹׁ֣ב
and return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#10
לְבֵית֑וֹ
unto his house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
פֶּן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#12
יָמוּת֙
lest he die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#13
בַּמִּלְחָמָ֔ה
in the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#14
וְאִ֥ישׁ
And what man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#15
אַחֵ֖ר
and another
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#16
יִקָּחֶֽנָּה׃
and hath not taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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