Deuteronomy 28:38

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֶ֥רַע
seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#2
רַ֖ב
much
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#3
תּוֹצִ֣יא
Thou shalt carry
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#4
הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה
into the field
a field (as flat)
#5
וּמְעַ֣ט
but little
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
#6
תֶּֽאֱסֹ֔ף
and shalt gather
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#7
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
יַחְסְלֶ֖נּוּ
shall consume
to eat off
#9
הָֽאַרְבֶּֽה׃
for the locust
a locust (from its rapid increase)

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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