Deuteronomy 29:18

Authorized King James Version

Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

Word-by-Word Analysis

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

יֵ֣שׁ

H3426

Lest there should be

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

בָּ֠כֶם

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

among you 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)

אוֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

אִשָּׁ֞ה

H802

or woman

a woman

א֧וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

מִשְׁפָּחָ֣ה

H4940

or family

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

אוֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#10

שֵׁ֗בֶט

H7626

or tribe

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

#11

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

לְבָב֨וֹ

H3824

whose heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#13

פֹנֶ֤ה

H6437

turneth away

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

#14

הַיּוֹם֙

H3117

this day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#15

מֵעִם֙

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#16

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

from the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#17

אֱלֹהֵ֖י

H430

our 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

#18

לָלֶ֣כֶת

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#19

לַֽעֲבֹ֔ד

H5647

and serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#20

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#21

אֱלֹהֵ֖י

H430

our 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

#22

הַגּוֹיִ֣ם

H1471

of these nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#23

הָהֵ֑ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#24

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

#25

יֵ֣שׁ

H3426

Lest there should be

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#26

בָּכֶ֗ם

#27

שֹׁ֛רֶשׁ

H8328

among you a root

a root (literally or figuratively)

#28

פֹּרֶ֥ה

H6509

that beareth

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

#29

רֹ֖אשׁ

H7219

gall

a poisonous plant, probably the poppy (from its conspicuous head); generally poison (even of serpents)

#30

וְלַֽעֲנָֽה׃

H3939

and wormwood

wormwood (regarded as poisonous, and therefore accursed)

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

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Deuteronomy 29:18

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources