Deuteronomy 21:22

Authorized King James Version

And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכִֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יִהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
בְאִ֗ישׁ
And 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
חֵ֛טְא
have committed a sin
a crime or its penalty
#5
מִשְׁפַּט
worthy of
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#6
מָ֖וֶת
death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#7
וְהוּמָ֑ת
and he be to be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#8
וְתָלִ֥יתָ
and thou hang
to suspend (especially to gibbet)
#9
אֹת֖וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
עֵֽץ׃
him on a tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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