Deuteronomy 27:19

Authorized King James Version

Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָר֗וּר
Cursed
to execrate
#2
מַטֶּ֛ה
be he that perverteth
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#3
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
the judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#4
גֵּר
of the stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#5
יָת֖וֹם
fatherless
a bereaved person
#6
וְאַלְמָנָ֑ה
and widow
a widow; also a desolate place
#7
וְאָמַ֥ר
shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
הָעָ֖ם
And all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
אָמֵֽן׃
Amen
sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of covenant community 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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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