Deuteronomy 32:14

Authorized King James Version

Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חֶמְאַ֨ת
Butter
curdled milk or cheese
#2
בָּקָ֜ר
of kine
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#3
וַֽחֲלֵ֣ב
and milk
milk (as the richness of kine)
#4
צֹ֗אן
of sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#5
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#6
חֵ֖לֶב
with fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#7
כָּרִ֜ים
of lambs
a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting)
#8
וְאֵילִ֤ים
and rams
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#9
בְּנֵֽי
of the breed
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
בָשָׁן֙
of Bashan
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
#11
וְעַתּוּדִ֔ים
and goats
prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people
#12
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#13
חֵ֖לֶב
with fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#14
כִּלְי֣וֹת
of kidneys
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
#15
חִטָּ֑ה
of wheat
wheat, whether the grain or the plant
#16
וְדַם
blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#17
עֵנָ֖ב
of the grape
a grape
#18
תִּשְׁתֶּה
and thou didst drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#19
חָֽמֶר׃
the pure
wine (as fermenting)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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