Deuteronomy 30:15

Authorized King James Version

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רְאֵ֨ה
See
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
נָתַ֤תִּי
I have set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#4
הַיּ֔וֹם
thee 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
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הַֽחַיִּ֖ים
life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#7
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַטּ֑וֹב
and good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַמָּ֖וֶת
and death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הָרָֽע׃
and evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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