Deuteronomy 27:20

Authorized King James Version

Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָר֗וּר
Cursed
to execrate
#2
שֹׁכֵב֙
be he that lieth
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#3
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
אֵ֣שֶׁת
wife
a woman
#5
אָבִ֑יו
H1
his father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#6
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
גִלָּ֖ה
because he uncovereth
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#8
כְּנַ֣ף
skirt
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
#9
אָבִ֑יו
H1
his father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#10
וְאָמַ֥ר
shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
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
#13
אָמֵֽן׃
Amen
sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly

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 covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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