Deuteronomy 28:4

Authorized King James Version

Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּר֧וּךְ
Blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#2
וּפְרִ֣י
and the fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#3
בִטְנְךָ֛
of thy body
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
#4
וּפְרִ֣י
and the fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#5
אַדְמָֽתְךָ֖
of thy ground
soil (from its general redness)
#6
וּפְרִ֣י
and the fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#7
בְהֶמְתֶּ֑ךָ
of thy cattle
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#8
שְׁגַ֥ר
the increase
the ftus (as finally expelled)
#9
אֲלָפֶ֖יךָ
of thy kine
a family; also (from the sense of yoking or taming) an ox or cow
#10
וְעַשְׁתְּר֥וֹת
and the flocks
increase
#11
צֹאנֶֽךָ׃
of thy sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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