Deuteronomy 28:44

Authorized King James Version

He shall lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֣וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#2
תַלְוֶ֑נּוּ
He shall lend
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
#3
וְאַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
תַלְוֶ֑נּוּ
He shall lend
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
#6
ה֚וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
לְרֹ֔אשׁ
to him he shall be the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#9
וְאַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#10
תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
לְזָנָֽב׃
and thou shalt be the tail
the tail (literally or figuratively)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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