Deuteronomy 22:2

Authorized King James Version

And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
לֹ֨א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
קָר֥וֹב
H7138
be not nigh
near (in place, kindred or time)
#4
אָחִ֙יךָ֙
H251
And if thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#5
אֵלֶ֖יךָ
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יְדַעְתּ֑וֹ
H3045
unto thee or if thou know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
וַֽאֲסַפְתּוֹ֙
H622
him not then thou shalt bring
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#9
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
תּ֣וֹךְ
H8432
it unto
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#11
בֵּיתֶ֔ךָ
H1004
thine own house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
וְהָיָ֣ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
עִמְּךָ֗
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#14
עַ֣ד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#15
דְּרֹ֤שׁ
H1875
seek
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#16
אָחִ֙יךָ֙
H251
And if thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#17
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
וַהֲשֵֽׁבֹת֖וֹ
H7725
after it and thou shalt restore it to him again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#19
לֽוֹ׃
H0

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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