Deuteronomy 25:8

Authorized King James Version

Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him: and if he stand to it, and say, I like not to take her;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְקָֽרְאוּ
shall call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
ל֥וֹ
H0
#3
זִקְנֵֽי
Then the elders
old
#4
עִיר֖וֹ
of his city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#5
וְדִבְּר֣וּ
him and speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#6
אֵלָ֑יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
וְעָמַ֣ד
unto him and if he stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#8
וְאָמַ֔ר
to it and say
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
חָפַ֖צְתִּי
I like
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
#11
לְקַחְתָּֽהּ׃
not to take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)

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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