Deuteronomy 23:6

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תִדְרֹ֥שׁ
Thou shalt not seek
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#3
שְׁלֹמָ֖ם
their peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#4
וְטֹֽבָתָ֑ם
nor their prosperity
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
יָמֶ֖יךָ
all thy days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#7
לְעוֹלָֽם׃
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of peace 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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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