Deuteronomy 32:2

Authorized King James Version

My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַֽעֲרֹ֤ף
shall drop
to droop; hence, to drip
#2
כַּמָּטָר֙
as the rain
rain
#3
לִקְחִ֔י
My doctrine
properly, something received, i.e., (mentally) instruction (whether on the part of the teacher or hearer); also (in an active and sinister sense) inve
#4
תִּזַּ֥ל
shall distil
to drip, or shed by trickling
#5
כַּטַּ֖ל
as the dew
dew (as covering vegetation)
#6
אִמְרָתִ֑י
my speech
an utterance
#7
כִּשְׂעִירִ֣ם
as the small rain
a shower (as tempestuous)
#8
עֲלֵי
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
דֶ֔שֶׁא
upon the tender herb
a sprout; by analogy, grass
#10
וְכִרְבִיבִ֖ים
and as the showers
a rain (as an accumulation of drops)
#11
עֲלֵי
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
עֵֽשֶׂב׃
upon the grass
grass (or any tender shoot)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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