Deuteronomy 3:7

Authorized King James Version

But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
הַבְּהֵמָ֛ה
But all the cattle
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#3
וּשְׁלַ֥ל
and the spoil
booty
#4
הֶֽעָרִ֖ים
of the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#5
בַּזּ֥וֹנוּ
we took for a prey
to plunder
#6
לָֽנוּ׃
H0

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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