Deuteronomy 29:19

Authorized King James Version

And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֡ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְּשָׁמְעוֹ֩
And it come to pass when he heareth
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
דִּבְרֵ֨י
the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
הָֽאָלָ֜ה
of this curse
an imprecation
#6
הַזֹּ֗את
this (often used adverb)
#7
וְהִתְבָּרֵ֨ךְ
that he bless
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#8
בִּלְבָב֤וֹ
himself in his heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#9
לֵאמֹר֙
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
שָׁל֣וֹם
I shall have peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#11
יִֽהְיֶה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
לִּ֔י
H0
#13
כִּ֛י
though
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
בִּשְׁרִר֥וּת
in the imagination
obstinacy
#15
לִבִּ֖י
of mine heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#16
אֵלֵ֑ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#17
לְמַ֛עַן
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#18
סְפ֥וֹת
to add
properly, to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e., to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e., to scatter, remove, or r
#19
הָֽרָוָ֖ה
drunkenness
sated (with drink)
#20
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
הַצְּמֵאָֽה׃
to thirst
thirsty (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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

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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