Deuteronomy 27:4

Authorized King James Version

Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָה֮
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְּעָבְרְכֶ֣ם
Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַיַּרְדֵּן֒
Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#5
תָּקִ֜ימוּ
that ye shall set up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
הָֽאֲבָנִ֣ים
H68
these stones
a stone
#8
הָאֵ֗לֶּה
these or those
#9
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
אָֽנֹכִ֜י
i
#11
מְצַוֶּ֥ה
which I command
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#12
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הַיּ֖וֹם
you this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#14
בְּהַ֣ר
in mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#15
עֵיבָ֑ל
Ebal
ebal, a mountain of palestine
#16
בַּשִּֽׂיד׃
them with plaister
to plaster
#17
אוֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
בַּשִּֽׂיד׃
them with plaister
to plaster

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

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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