Deuteronomy 28:54

Authorized King James Version

So that the man that is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָאִישׁ֙
So that the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#2
הָרַ֣ךְ
that is tender
tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak
#3
בְּךָ֔
H0
#4
וְהֶֽעָנֹ֖ג
delicate
luxurious
#5
מְאֹ֑ד
among you and very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#6
תֵּרַ֨ע
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
#7
עֵינ֤וֹ
his eye
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
בְאָחִיו֙
toward his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#9
וּבְאֵ֣שֶׁת
and toward the wife
a woman
#10
חֵיק֔וֹ
of his bosom
the bosom (literally or figuratively)
#11
וּבְיֶ֥תֶר
and toward the remnant
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
#12
בָּנָ֖יו
of his children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
יוֹתִֽיר׃
which he shall leave
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

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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