Deuteronomy 29:5

Authorized King James Version

And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָֽאוֹלֵ֥ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
you forty
forty
#4
שָׁנָ֖ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#5
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#6
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
בָלְתָ֖ה
are not waxen old
to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)
#8
שַׂלְמֹֽתֵיכֶם֙
your clothes
a dress
#9
מֵֽעֲלֵיכֶ֔ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
וְנַֽעַלְךָ֥
upon you and thy shoe
properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)
#11
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
בָלְתָ֖ה
are not waxen old
to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)
#13
מֵעַ֥ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
רַגְלֶֽךָ׃
upon thy foot
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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