Deuteronomy 23:11

Authorized King James Version

But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash himself with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp again.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לִפְנֽוֹת
cometh on
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#3
עֶ֖רֶב
But it shall be when evening
dusk
#4
יִרְחַ֣ץ
he shall wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#5
בַּמָּ֑יִם
himself with water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#6
יָבֹ֖א
he shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
and when the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
#8
יָבֹ֖א
he shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
תּ֥וֹךְ
into
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#11
הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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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