Deuteronomy 24:21

Authorized King James Version

When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: 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
תִבְצֹר֙
When thou gatherest
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
#3
כַּרְמְךָ֔
the grapes of thy vineyard
a garden or vineyard
#4
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
תְעוֹלֵ֖ל
thou shalt not glean
to effect thoroughly; by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e., maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal)
#6
אַֽחֲרֶ֑יךָ
it afterward
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

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 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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