Deuteronomy 27:22

Authorized King James Version

Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. 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
אֲחֹת֔וֹ
with his sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#5
בַת
or the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#6
אָבִ֖יו
H1
of his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#7
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#8
בַת
or the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#9
אִמּ֑וֹ
of his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#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

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 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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