Deuteronomy 23:4

Authorized King James Version

Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
דְּבַ֞ר
Because
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
קִדְּמ֤וּ
they met
to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)
#6
אֶתְכֶם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
בַּלֶּ֣חֶם
you not with bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#8
וּבַמַּ֔יִם
and with water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#9
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#10
בְּצֵֽאתְכֶ֣ם
when ye came forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#11
מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם
out of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#12
וַֽאֲשֶׁר֩
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
שָׂכַ֨ר
and because they hired
to hire
#14
עָלֶ֜יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
בִּלְעָ֣ם
against thee Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#17
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#18
בְּע֗וֹר
of Beor
beor, the name of the father of an edomitish king; also of that of balaam
#19
מִפְּת֛וֹר
of Pethor
pethor, a place in mesopotamia
#20
אֲרַ֥ם
H0
#21
נַֽהֲרַ֖יִם
of Mesopotamia
aram of (the) two rivers (euphrates and tigris) or mesopotamia
#22
לְקַֽלְלֶֽךָּ׃
to curse
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

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 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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