Deuteronomy 27:8

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכָֽתַבְתָּ֣
And thou shalt write
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
הָֽאֲבָנִ֗ים
H68
upon the stones
a stone
#4
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
דִּבְרֵ֛י
all the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#7
הַתּוֹרָ֥ה
of this law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#8
הַזֹּ֖את
this (often used adverb)
#9
בַּאֵ֥ר
plainly
to dig; by analogy, to engrave; figuratively, to explain
#10
הֵיטֵֽב׃
very
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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