Deuteronomy 23:13

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָתֵ֛ד
And thou shalt have a paddle
a peg
#2
תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
לְךָ֖
H0
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
אֲזֵנֶ֑ךָ
upon thy weapon
a spade or paddle (as having a broad end)
#6
וְהָיָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ֣
and it shall be when thou wilt ease
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#8
ח֔וּץ
thyself abroad
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#9
וְחָֽפַרְתָּ֣ה
thou shalt dig
properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore
#10
בָ֔הּ
H0
#11
וְשַׁבְתָּ֖
therewith and shalt turn back
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#12
וְכִסִּ֥יתָ
and cover
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
צֵֽאָתֶֽךָ׃
that which cometh
issue, i.e., (human) excrement

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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