Deuteronomy 28:43

Authorized King James Version

The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַגֵּר֙
The stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#2
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
בְּקִרְבְּךָ֔
that is within
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#4
יַֽעֲלֶ֥ה
thee shall get up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#5
עָלֶ֖יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
מָּ֑עְלָה
above thee very
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#7
מָּ֑עְלָה
above thee very
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#8
וְאַתָּ֥ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#9
תֵרֵ֖ד
and thou shalt come down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#10
מָּֽטָּה׃
low
downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes
#11
מָּֽטָּה׃
low
downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources