Deuteronomy 21:7

Authorized King James Version

And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָנ֖וּ
And they shall answer
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
וְאָֽמְר֑וּ
and say
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יָדֵ֗ינוּ
Our hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#4
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
שָֽׁפְכָה֙
have not shed
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
הַדָּ֣ם
this blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#8
הַזֶּ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#9
וְעֵינֵ֖ינוּ
neither have our eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#10
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
רָאֽוּ׃
seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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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