Deuteronomy 24:16

Authorized King James Version

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יוּמָֽתוּ׃
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#3
אָב֑וֹת
H1
The fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
וּבָנִ֖ים
for the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
וּבָנִ֖ים
for the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יוּמָֽתוּ׃
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
אָב֑וֹת
H1
The fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#11
אִ֥ישׁ
every 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)
#12
בְּחֶטְא֖וֹ
for his own sin
a crime or its penalty
#13
יוּמָֽתוּ׃
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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

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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