Deuteronomy 26:18

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיהוָ֞ה
H3068
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
הֶאֱמִֽירְךָ֣
H559
hath avouched
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
הַיּ֗וֹם
H3117
thee 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
#4
לִֽהְי֥וֹת
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
לוֹ֙
H0
#6
לְעַ֣ם
H5971
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
סְגֻלָּ֔ה
H5459
to be his peculiar
wealth (as closely shut up)
#8
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
דִּבֶּר
H1696
as he hath promised
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#10
לָ֑ךְ
H0
#11
וְלִשְׁמֹ֖ר
H8104
thee and that thou shouldest keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#12
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
מִצְוֹתָֽיו׃
H4687
all his commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights covenant 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 covenant 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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