Deuteronomy 29:26

Authorized King James Version

For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּֽלְכ֗וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
וַיַּֽעַבְדוּ֙
and served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#3
אֱלֹהִים֙
gods
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
#4
אֲחֵרִ֔ים
other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#5
וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּ֖וּ
and worshipped
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#6
לָהֶ֑ם
H0
#7
אֱלֹהִים֙
gods
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
#8
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יְדָע֔וּם
whom they knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#11
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
חָלַ֖ק
not and whom he had not given
to be smooth (figuratively)
#13
לָהֶֽם׃
H0

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 careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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