Deuteronomy 3:17

Authorized King James Version

The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdoth-pisgah eastward.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָֽעֲרָבָה֙
The plain
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
#2
וְהַיַּרְדֵּ֣ן
also and Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#3
וּגְבֻ֑ל
and the coast
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#4
מִכִּנֶּ֗רֶת
thereof from Chinnereth
kinneroth or kinnereth, a place in palestine
#5
וְעַ֨ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#6
יָ֣ם
even unto the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#7
הָֽעֲרָבָה֙
The plain
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
#8
יָ֣ם
even unto the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#9
הַמֶּ֔לַח
even the salt
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)
#10
תַּ֛חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#11
אַשְׁדֹּ֥ת
a ravine
#12
הַפִּסְגָּ֖ה
pisgah, a mountain east of jordan
#13
מִזְרָֽחָה׃
eastward
sunrise, i.e., the east

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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