Deuteronomy 23:21

Authorized King James Version

When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
תִדֹּ֥ר
H5087
When thou shalt vow
to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)
#3
נֶ֙דֶר֙
H5088
a vow
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
#4
יְהוָ֤ה
H3068
it for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
H430
thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#6
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
תְאַחֵ֖ר
H309
thou shalt not slack
to loiter (i.e., be behind); by implication to procrastinate
#8
לְשַׁלְּמ֑וֹ
H7999
to pay
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#9
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
יִדְרְשֶׁ֜נּוּ
H1875
require
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#11
יִדְרְשֶׁ֜נּוּ
H1875
require
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#12
יְהוָ֤ה
H3068
it for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
H430
thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#14
מֵֽעִמָּ֔ךְ
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#15
וְהָיָ֥ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
בְךָ֖
H0
#17
חֵֽטְא׃
H2399
it of thee and it would be sin
a crime or its penalty

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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