Deuteronomy 24:18

Authorized King James Version

But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְזָֽכַרְתָּ֗

H2142

But thou shalt remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֶ֤בֶד

H5650

that thou wast a bondman

a servant

הָיִ֙יתָ֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם

H4714

in Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַֽיִּפְדְּךָ֛

H6299

redeemed

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

and the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מִשָּׁ֑ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#10

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

כֵּ֞ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#12

אָֽנֹכִ֤י

H595

#13

מְצַוְּךָ֙

H6680

thee thence therefore I command

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#14

לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת

H6213

thee to do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

הַדָּבָ֖ר

H1697

this thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#17

הַזֶּֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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Deuteronomy 24:18

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources