Deuteronomy 32:22

Authorized King James Version

For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אֵשׁ֙
For a fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#3
קָֽדְחָ֣ה
is kindled
to inflame
#4
בְאַפִּ֔י
in mine anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#5
וַתִּיקַ֖ד
and shall burn
to burn
#6
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#7
שְׁא֣וֹל
hell
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
#8
תַּחְתִּ֑ית
unto the lowest
lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)
#9
וַתֹּ֤אכַל
and shall consume
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#10
אֶ֙רֶץ֙
the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
וִֽיבֻלָ֔הּ
with her increase
produce, i.e., a crop or (figuratively) wealth
#12
וַתְּלַהֵ֖ט
and set on fire
properly, to lick, i.e., (by implication) to blaze
#13
מֽוֹסְדֵ֥י
a foundation
#14
הָרִֽים׃
of the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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