Deuteronomy 28:50

Authorized King James Version

A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גּ֖וֹי
A nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#2
עַ֣ז
of fierce
strong, vehement, harsh
#3
פָנִים֙
countenance
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#4
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יִשָּׂ֤א
which shall not regard
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#7
פָנִים֙
countenance
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
לְזָקֵ֔ן
of the old
old
#9
וְנַ֖עַר
to the young
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#10
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יָחֹֽן׃
nor shew favour
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of covenant community 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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