Deuteronomy 31:21

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְ֠הָיָה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תִמְצֶ֨אןָ

H4672

are befallen

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

אֹת֜וֹ

H853

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

רָע֣וֹת

H7451

evils

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

רַבּוֹת֮

H7227

And it shall come to pass when many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְצָרוֹת֒

H6869

and troubles

transitively, a female rival

וְ֠עָֽנְתָה

H6030

shall testify

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

הַשִּׁירָ֨ה

H7892

them that this song

a song; abstractly, singing

#10

הַזֹּ֤את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#11

לְפָנָיו֙

H6440

against

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#12

לְעֵ֔ד

H5707

them as a witness

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

#13

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

תִשָּׁכַ֖ח

H7911

for it shall not be forgotten

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

#16

מִפִּ֣י

H6310

out of the mouths

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#17

זַרְע֑וֹ

H2233

of their seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#18

כִּ֧י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#19

יָדַ֣עְתִּי

H3045

for I know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#20

אֶת

H853

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

#21

יִצְר֗וֹ

H3336

their imagination

a form; figuratively, conception (i.e., purpose)

#22

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

#23

ה֤וּא

H1931

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

#24

עֹשֶׂה֙

H6213

which they go about

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

#25

הַיּ֔וֹם

H3117

even now

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

#26

בְּטֶ֣רֶם

H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

#27

אֲבִיאֶ֔נּוּ

H935

before I have brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#28

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#29

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

them into the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#30

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#31

נִשְׁבָּֽעְתִּי׃

H7650

which I sware

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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 verse's literary context within Deuteronomy chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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Deuteronomy 31:21

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources