Deuteronomy 28:53

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the LORD thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָֽכַלְתָּ֣
And thou shalt eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#2
פְרִֽי
the fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#3
בִטְנְךָ֗
of thine own body
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
#4
בְּשַׂ֤ר
the flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#5
בָּנֶ֙יךָ֙
of thy sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
וּבְנֹתֶ֔יךָ
and of thy daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#7
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
נָֽתַן
hath given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
לְךָ֖
H0
#10
יְהוָ֣ה
which the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
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
#12
בְּמָצוֹר֙
thee in the siege
something hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness
#13
וּבְמָצ֔וֹק
and in the straitness
a narrow place, i.e., (abstractly and figuratively) confinement or disability
#14
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
יָצִ֥יק
shall distress
to compress, i.e., (figuratively) oppress, distress
#16
לְךָ֖
H0
#17
אֹֽיְבֶֽךָ׃
wherewith thine enemies
hating; an adversary

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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