Deuteronomy 21:3

Authorized King James Version

And it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הָעִ֨יר
And it shall be that the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#3
הַקְּרֹבָ֖ה
which is next
near (in place, kindred or time)
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
הֶֽחָלָ֑ל
unto the slain man
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#6
וְלָֽקְח֡וּ
shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#7
זִקְנֵי֩
even the elders
old
#8
הָעִ֨יר
And it shall be that the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#9
הַהִ֜וא
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
#10
עֶגְלַ֣ת
a (female) calf, especially one nearly grown (i.e., a heifer)
#11
בָּקָ֗ר
an heifer
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#12
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
עֻבַּד֙
which hath not been wrought with
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#15
בָּ֔הּ
H0
#16
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
מָשְׁכָ֖ה
and which hath not drawn
to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)
#19
בְּעֹֽל׃
in the yoke
a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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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