Deuteronomy 28:66

Authorized King James Version

And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָי֣וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְּחַיֶּֽיךָ׃
And thy life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#3
תְּלֻאִ֥ים
shall hang
to suspend; figuratively (through hesitation) to be uncertain; by implication (of mental dependence) to habituate
#4
לְךָ֖
H0
#5
מִנֶּ֑גֶד
in doubt before
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#6
וּפָֽחַדְתָּ֙
thee and thou shalt fear
to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general
#7
לַ֣יְלָה
and night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#8
וְיוֹמָ֔ם
day
daily
#9
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
תַֽאֲמִ֖ין
and shalt have none assurance
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
#11
בְּחַיֶּֽיךָ׃
And thy life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

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 life 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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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