Deuteronomy 21:23

Authorized King James Version

His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָלִ֨ין

H3885

shall not remain all night

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

נִבְלָת֜וֹ

H5038

His body

a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָעֵ֗ץ

H6086

upon the tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תִּקְבְּרֶ֙נּוּ֙

H6912

bury

to inter

תִּקְבְּרֶ֙נּוּ֙

H6912

bury

to inter

בַּיּ֣וֹם

H3117

him that day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#10

הַה֔וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#11

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

קִלְלַ֥ת

H7045

is accursed

vilification

#13

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ

H430

of God

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

#14

תָּל֑וּי

H8518

for he that is hanged

to suspend (especially to gibbet)

#15

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#16

תְטַמֵּא֙

H2930

be not defiled

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

#17

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

אַדְמָ֣תְךָ֔

H127

that thy land

soil (from its general redness)

#19

אֲשֶׁר֙

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#20

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

which the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#21

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ

H430

of God

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

#22

נֹתֵ֥ן

H5414

giveth

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#23

לְךָ֖

#24

נַֽחֲלָֽה׃

H5159

thee for an inheritance

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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Deuteronomy 21:23

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources