Deuteronomy 21:5

Authorized King James Version

And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנִגְּשׁ֣וּ
H5066
shall come near
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#2
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֮
H3548
And the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
בְּנֵ֣י
H1121
the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
לֵוִי֒
H3878
of Levi
levi, a son of jacob
#5
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
בָ֗ם
H0
#7
בָּחַ֞ר
H977
hath chosen
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#8
יְהוָ֑ה
H3068
for them the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
H430
thy 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
#10
לְשָׁ֣רְת֔וֹ
H8334
to minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#11
וּלְבָרֵ֖ךְ
H1288
unto him and to bless
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#12
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
H8034
in the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#13
יְהוָ֑ה
H3068
for them the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
וְעַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
פִּיהֶ֥ם
H6310
and by their word
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#16
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#17
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
רִ֥יב
H7379
shall every controversy
a contest (personal or legal)
#19
וְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#20
נָֽגַע׃
H5061
and every stroke
a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

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

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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