Deuteronomy 31:20

Authorized King James Version

For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אֲבִיאֶ֜נּוּ
H935
For when I shall have brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
אֶֽל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הָאֲדָמָ֣ה׀
H127
them into the land
soil (from its general redness)
#5
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי
H7650
which I sware
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#7
לַֽאֲבֹתָ֗יו
H1
unto their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
זָבַ֤ת
H2100
that floweth
to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
#9
חָלָב֙
H2461
with milk
milk (as the richness of kine)
#10
וּדְבַ֔שׁ
H1706
and honey
honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup
#11
וְאָכַ֥ל
H398
and they shall have eaten
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#12
וְשָׂבַ֖ע
H7646
and filled
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
#13
וְדָשֵׁ֑ן
H1878
themselves and waxen fat
to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)
#14
וּפָנָ֞ה
H6437
then will they turn
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#15
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
H430
gods
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
#17
אֲחֵרִים֙
H312
unto other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#18
וַֽעֲבָד֔וּם
H5647
and serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#19
וְנִ֣אֲצ֔וּנִי
H5006
them and provoke
to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom
#20
וְהֵפֵ֖ר
H6565
me and break
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
#21
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#22
בְּרִיתִֽי׃
H1285
my covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant 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 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 covenant. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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