Deuteronomy 24:14

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק
Thou shalt not oppress
to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow
#3
שָׂכִ֖יר
an hired servant
a man who is hired by the day or year
#4
עָנִ֣י
that is poor
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#5
וְאֶבְי֑וֹן
H34
and needy
destitute
#6
מֵֽאַחֶ֕יךָ
whether he be of thy brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#7
א֧וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#8
מִגֵּֽרְךָ֛
or of thy strangers
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#9
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
בְּאַרְצְךָ֖
that are in thy land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
בִּשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ׃
within thy gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate

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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