Deuteronomy 27:3

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכָֽתַבְתָּ֣

H3789

And thou shalt write

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עֲלֵיהֶ֗ן

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דִּבְרֵ֛י

H1697

upon them all the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַתּוֹרָ֥ה

H8451

of this law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַזֹּ֖את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

בְּעָבְרֶ֑ךָ

H5674

when thou art passed over

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

לְמַ֡עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#10

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

תָּבֹ֨א

H935

that thou mayest go in

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

אֶ֣רֶץ

H776

thee a land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

as the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

אֱלֹהֵֽי

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#17

נֹתֵ֣ן

H5414

giveth

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#18

לְךָ֗

#19

אֶ֣רֶץ

H776

thee a land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#20

זָבַ֤ת

H2100

that floweth

to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow

#21

חָלָב֙

H2461

with milk

milk (as the richness of kine)

#22

וּדְבַ֔שׁ

H1706

and honey

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

#23

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#24

דִּבֶּ֛ר

H1696

hath promised

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#25

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

as the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#26

אֱלֹהֵֽי

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#27

אֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ

of thy fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#28

לָֽךְ׃

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 covenant 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?

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Deuteronomy 27:3

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources