Deuteronomy 31:17

Authorized King James Version

Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְחָרָ֣ה
shall be kindled
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
#2
אַפִּ֣י
Then my anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#3
ב֣וֹ
H0
#4
בַּיּ֣וֹם
against them in that 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
הַ֠הוּא
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
וַֽעֲזַבְתִּ֞ים
and I will forsake
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#7
וְהִסְתַּרְתִּ֨י
them and I will hide
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#8
פָנַ֤י
my face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
מֵהֶם֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#10
וְהָיָ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
לֶֽאֱכֹ֔ל
from them and they shall be devoured
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#12
מְצָא֖וּנִי
come
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#13
הָֽרָע֥וֹת
Are not these evils
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#14
רַבּ֖וֹת
and many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#15
וְצָר֑וֹת
and troubles
transitively, a female rival
#16
וְאָמַר֙
them so that they will say
to say (used with great latitude)
#17
בַּיּ֣וֹם
against them in that 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
#18
הַה֔וּא
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
#19
הֲלֹ֗א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#20
עַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#22
אֵ֤ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#23
אֱלֹהַי֙
upon us because our 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
#24
בְּקִרְבִּ֔י
is not among
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#25
מְצָא֖וּנִי
come
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#26
הָֽרָע֥וֹת
Are not these evils
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#27
הָאֵֽלֶּה׃
these or those

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources