Deuteronomy 28:27

Authorized King James Version

The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַכְּכָ֨ה
will smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#2
יְהוָ֜ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
בִּשְׁחִ֤ין
thee with the botch
inflammation, i.e., an ulcer
#4
מִצְרַ֙יִם֙
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#5
וּבַעְּפלִ֔ים
a tumor
#6
וּבַגָּרָ֖ב
and with the scab
scurf (from itching)
#7
וּבֶחָ֑רֶס
and with the itch
the itch
#8
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
תוּכַ֖ל
whereof thou canst
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#11
לְהֵֽרָפֵֽא׃
not be healed
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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