Deuteronomy 25:1

Authorized King James Version

If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יִהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
רִיב֙
If there be a controversy
a contest (personal or legal)
#4
בֵּ֣ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#5
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
between men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#6
וְנִגְּשׁ֥וּ
and they come
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֖ט
unto judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#9
וּשְׁפָט֑וּם
that the judges may judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#10
וְהִצְדִּ֙יקוּ֙
them then they shall justify
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַצַּדִּ֔יק
the righteous
just
#13
וְהִרְשִׁ֖יעוּ
and condemn
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
הָֽרָשָֽׁע׃
the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Deuteronomy.

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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