Deuteronomy 31:19

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
כִּתְב֤וּ
Now therefore write
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#3
לָכֶם֙
H0
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַשִּׁירָ֥ה
that this song
a song; abstractly, singing
#6
הַזֹּ֔את
this (often used adverb)
#7
וְלַמְּדָ֥הּ
for you and teach
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
בִּבְנֵ֥י
for me against the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
שִׂימָ֣הּ
put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#12
בְּפִיהֶ֑ם
it in their mouths
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#13
לְמַ֨עַן
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#14
תִּֽהְיֶה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#15
לִּ֜י
H0
#16
הַשִּׁירָ֥ה
that this song
a song; abstractly, singing
#17
הַזֹּ֛את
this (often used adverb)
#18
לְעֵ֖ד
may be a witness
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#19
בִּבְנֵ֥י
for me against the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#20
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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

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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