Deuteronomy 31:9

Authorized King James Version

And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב
wrote
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#2
מֹשֶׁה֮
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַתּוֹרָ֣ה
this law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#5
הַזֹּאת֒
this (often used adverb)
#6
וַֽיִּתְּנָ֗הּ
and delivered
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
it unto the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#9
בְּנֵ֣י
the sons
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
לֵוִ֔י
of Levi
levi, a son of jacob
#11
הַנֹּ֣שְׂאִ֔ים
which bare
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
אֲר֖וֹן
the ark
a box
#14
בְּרִ֣ית
of the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#15
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#17
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
זִקְנֵ֖י
and unto all the elders
old
#19
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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