Deuteronomy 27:25

Authorized King James Version

Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָרוּר֙
Cursed
to execrate
#2
לֹקֵ֣חַ
be he that taketh
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#3
שֹׁ֔חַד
reward
a donation (venal or redemptive)
#4
לְהַכּ֥וֹת
to slay
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#5
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
person
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#6
דָּ֣ם
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#7
נָקִ֑י
an innocent
innocent
#8
וְאָמַ֥ר
shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
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
#11
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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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