Deuteronomy 28:58

Authorized King James Version

If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
לֹ֨א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
תִשְׁמֹ֜ר
H8104
If thou wilt not observe
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#4
לַֽעֲשׂ֗וֹת
H6213
to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
דִּבְרֵי֙
H1697
all the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#8
הַתּוֹרָ֣ה
H8451
of this law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#9
הַזֹּ֔את
H2063
this (often used adverb)
#10
הַכְּתֻבִ֖ים
H3789
that are written
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#11
בַּסֵּ֣פֶר
H5612
in this book
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#12
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#13
וְהַנּוֹרָא֙
H3372
and fearful
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#14
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
הַשֵּׁ֞ם
H8034
name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#16
הַנִּכְבָּ֤ד
H3513
this glorious
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#17
וְהַנּוֹרָא֙
H3372
and fearful
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#18
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#19
אֵ֖ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
THE LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#21
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
H430
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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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