Deuteronomy 29:4

Authorized King James Version

Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
נָתַן֩
hath not given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
יְהוָ֨ה
Yet the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
לָכֶ֥ם
H0
#5
לֵב֙
you an heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#6
לָדַ֔עַת
to perceive
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
וְעֵינַ֥יִם
and eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
לִרְא֖וֹת
to see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#9
וְאָזְנַ֣יִם
and ears
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#10
לִשְׁמֹ֑עַ
to hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#11
עַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#12
הַיּ֥וֹם
unto 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
#13
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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