Deuteronomy 3:21

Authorized King James Version

And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
יְהוֹשׁ֣וּעַ
Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#3
צִוֵּ֔יתִי
And I commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#4
בָּעֵ֥ת
at that time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#5
הַהִ֖וא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#6
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
עֵינֶ֣יךָ
Thine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
הָֽרֹאֹ֗ת
have seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#9
אֵת֩
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה
do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
יְהוָה֙
all that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙
your God
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
#15
לִשְׁנֵי֙
unto these two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#16
הַמְּלָכִ֣ים
kings
a king
#17
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
these or those
#18
כֵּֽן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#19
יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה
do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#20
יְהוָה֙
all that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#21
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#22
הַמַּמְלָכ֔וֹת
unto all the kingdoms
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
#23
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#24
אַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#25
עֹבֵ֥ר
whither thou passest
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#26
שָֽׁמָּה׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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 kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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