Deuteronomy 29:14
Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath;
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִתְּכֶ֖ם
H854
אִתְּכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
לְבַדְּכֶ֑ם
H905
לְבַדְּכֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
כֹּרֵת֙
Neither with you only do I make
H3772
כֹּרֵת֙
Neither with you only do I make
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
5 of 11
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבְּרִ֣ית
this covenant
H1285
הַבְּרִ֣ית
this covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
7 of 11
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
Historical Context
Including future generations in covenant assembly created continuity of obligation. Each generation inherited both blessing and responsibility from parents' covenant commitment.
This parallels circumcision given to eight-day-old infants who could not consciously consent but were included in covenant community by birth.
Questions for Reflection
- What does including absent parties teach about covenant's corporate nature?
- How does generational covenant operate in creating ongoing obligation?
- What is the relationship between infant inclusion and later personal faith commitment?
- How does God work through families and communities to transmit faith?
- What does this teach about children's status in covenant community?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath. The covenant extends beyond those physically present - neither with you only indicates additional parties to the covenant. This anticipates verse 15's inclusion of future generations not yet born.
This demonstrates that covenant relationship involves not just individual decision but corporate identity spanning generations. God's covenant with Israel included their descendants, creating ongoing obligation and blessing across time.
This principle operates in New Covenant church context - believers' children are included in covenant community (Acts 2:39), receiving covenant signs and blessings while growing into personal faith commitment.
The generational nature of covenant teaches that God works through families and communities, not merely isolated individuals. Faith is transmitted through covenant community's teaching and example.