Deuteronomy 28:46

Authorized King James Version

And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָי֣וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְךָ֔
H0
#3
לְא֖וֹת
And they shall be upon thee for a sign
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
#4
וּלְמוֹפֵ֑ת
and for a wonder
a miracle; by implication, a token or omen
#5
וּֽבְזַרְעֲךָ֖
and upon thy seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#6
עַד
for
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#7
עוֹלָֽם׃
ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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