Deuteronomy 28:47

Authorized King James Version

Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תַּ֗חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#2
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
עָבַ֙דְתָּ֙
Because thou servedst
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
יְהוָ֣ה
not the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#8
בְּשִׂמְחָ֖ה
with joyfulness
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
#9
וּבְט֣וּב
and with gladness
good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare
#10
לֵבָ֑ב
of heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#11
מֵרֹ֖ב
for the abundance
abundance (in any respect)
#12
כֹּֽל׃
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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