Deuteronomy 21:12

Authorized King James Version

Then thou shalt bring her home to thine house; and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽהֲבֵאתָ֖הּ
Then thou shalt bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
תּ֣וֹךְ
her home
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#4
בֵּיתֶ֑ךָ
to thine house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
וְגִלְּחָה֙
and she shall shave
properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
רֹאשָׁ֔הּ
her head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#8
וְעָֽשְׂתָ֖ה
and pare
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
צִפָּרְנֶֽיהָ׃
her nails
properly, a claw, i.e., (human) nail; also the point of a style (or pen, tipped with adamant)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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