Deuteronomy 22:8

Authorized King James Version

When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
תִבְנֶה֙
When thou buildest
to build (literally and figuratively)
#3
בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָ
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
חָדָ֔שׁ
a new
new
#5
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
then thou shalt make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
מַֽעֲקֶ֖ה
a battlement
a parapet
#7
לְגַגֶּ֑ךָ
for thy roof
a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar
#8
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תָשִׂ֤ים
that thou bring
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#10
דָּמִים֙
not 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
#11
בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָ
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
הַנֹּפֵ֖ל
fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#14
הַנֹּפֵ֖ל
fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#15
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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