Deuteronomy 26:17

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
הֶֽאֱמַ֖רְתָּ
Thou hast avouched
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
הַיּ֑וֹם
this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
לִֽהְיוֹת֩
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
לְךָ֙
H0
#7
לֵֽאלֹהִ֜ים
to be 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
#8
וְלָלֶ֣כֶת
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
בִּדְרָכָ֗יו
in his ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#10
וְלִשְׁמֹ֨ר
and to keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#11
חֻקָּ֧יו
his statutes
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#12
וּמִצְוֹתָ֛יו
and his commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#13
וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֖יו
and his judgments
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#14
וְלִשְׁמֹ֥עַ
and to hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#15
בְּקֹלֽוֹ׃
unto his voice
a voice or sound

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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