Deuteronomy 24:1

Authorized King James Version

When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.

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
יִקַּ֥ח
H3947
hath taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#3
אִ֛ישׁ
H376
When a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
אִשָּׁ֖ה
H802
a wife
a woman
#5
וּבְעָלָ֑הּ
H1166
and married
to be master; hence, to marry
#6
וְהָיָ֞ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#8
לֹ֧א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
מָ֤צָא
H4672
because he hath found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#10
חֵ֣ן
H2580
no favour
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
#11
בְּעֵינָ֗יו
H5869
in his eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#12
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
מָ֤צָא
H4672
because he hath found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#14
בָהּ֙
H0
#15
עֶרְוַ֣ת
H6172
uncleanness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
#16
דָּבָ֔ר
H1697
some
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#17
וְכָ֨תַב
H3789
in her then let him write
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#18
לָ֜הּ
H0
#19
סֵ֤פֶר
H5612
her a bill
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#20
כְּרִיתֻת֙
H3748
of divorcement
a cutting (of the matrimonial bond), i.e., divorce
#21
וְנָתַ֣ן
H5414
and give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#22
בְּיָדָ֔הּ
H3027
it in her hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#23
וְשִׁלְּחָ֖הּ
H7971
and send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#24
מִבֵּיתֽוֹ׃
H1004
her out of his house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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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