Deuteronomy 29:23

Authorized King James Version

And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גָּפְרִ֣ית
thereof is brimstone
properly, cypress-resin; by analogy, sulphur (as equally inflammable)
#2
וָמֶלַח֮
and salt
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)
#3
שְׂרֵפָ֣ה
and burning
cremation
#4
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
אַרְצָהּ֒
And that the whole land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
תִזָּרַע֙
that it is not sown
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
#8
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תַצְמִ֔חַ
nor beareth
to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
#10
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יַעֲלֶ֥ה
groweth
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#12
בָ֖הּ
H0
#13
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
עֵ֑שֶׂב
nor any grass
grass (or any tender shoot)
#15
כְּֽמַהְפֵּכַ֞ת
therein like the overthrow
a destruction
#16
סְדֹ֤ם
of Sodom
sedom, a place near the dead sea
#17
וַֽעֲמֹרָה֙
and Gomorrah
amorah, a place in palestine
#18
אַדְמָ֣ה
Admah
admah, a place near the dead sea
#19
וּצְבֹיִ֔ים
and Zeboim
tseboim or tsebijim, a place in palestine
#20
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
הָפַ֣ךְ
overthrew
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
#22
יְהוָ֔ה
which the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#23
בְּאַפּ֖וֹ
in his anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#24
וּבַֽחֲמָתֽוֹ׃
and in his wrath
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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