Deuteronomy 31:12

Authorized King James Version

Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַקְהֵ֣ל

H6950

Gather

to convoke

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעָ֗ם

H5971

the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֤ים

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְהַנָּשִׁים֙

H802

and women

a woman

וְהַטַּ֔ף

H2945

and children

a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)

וְגֵֽרְךָ֖

H1616

and thy stranger

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בִּשְׁעָרֶ֑יךָ

H8179

that is within thy gates

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#10

לְמַ֨עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#11

יִשְׁמְע֜וּ

H8085

that they may hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#12

וּלְמַ֣עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#13

יִלְמְד֗וּ

H3925

and that they may learn

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

#14

וְיָֽרְאוּ֙

H3372

and fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#17

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם

H430

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

#18

וְשָֽׁמְר֣וּ

H8104

and observe

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#19

לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת

H6213

to do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#20

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#21

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#22

דִּבְרֵ֖י

H1697

all the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#23

הַתּוֹרָ֥ה

H8451

of this law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

#24

הַזֹּֽאת׃

H2063

this (often used adverb)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Deuteronomy 31:12

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources