Deuteronomy 21:18

Authorized King James Version

If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יִהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
לְאִ֗ישׁ
H376
If a 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)
#4
בֵּ֚ן
H1121
son
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
סוֹרֵ֣ר
H5637
have a stubborn
to turn away, i.e., (morally) be refractory
#6
וּמוֹרֶ֔ה
H4784
and rebellious
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
#7
אֵינֶ֣נּוּ
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#8
יִשְׁמַ֖ע
H8085
him will not hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#9
וּבְק֣וֹל
H6963
or the voice
a voice or sound
#10
אָבִ֖יו
H1
of his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#11
וּבְק֣וֹל
H6963
or the voice
a voice or sound
#12
אִמּ֑וֹ
H517
of his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#13
וְיִסְּר֣וּ
H3256
and that when they have chastened
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
#14
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
יִשְׁמַ֖ע
H8085
him will not hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#17
אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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