Deuteronomy 24:20

Authorized King James Version

When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
תַחְבֹּט֙
When thou beatest
to knock out or off
#3
זֵֽיתְךָ֔
thine olive tree
an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry
#4
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
תְפָאֵ֖ר
thou shalt not go over the boughs
to gleam, i.e., (causatively) embellish; figuratively, to boast; also to explain (i.e., make clear) oneself; to shake a tree
#6
אַֽחֲרֶ֑יךָ
again
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#7
לַגֵּ֛ר
it shall be for the stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#8
לַיָּת֥וֹם
for the fatherless
a bereaved person
#9
וְלָֽאַלְמָנָ֖ה
and for the widow
a widow; also a desolate place
#10
יִֽהְיֶֽה׃
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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