Deuteronomy 32:24

Authorized King James Version

They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מְזֵ֥י
They shall be burnt
exhausted
#2
רָעָ֛ב
with hunger
hunger (more or less extensive)
#3
וּלְחֻ֥מֵי
and devoured
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#4
רֶ֖שֶׁף
with burning heat
a live coal; by analogy lightning; figuratively, an arrow, (as flashing through the air); specifically, fever
#5
וְקֶ֣טֶב
destruction
ruin
#6
מְרִירִ֑י
and with bitter
bitter, i.e., poisonous
#7
וְשֶׁן
the teeth
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
#8
בְּהֵמֹת֙
of beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#9
אֲשַׁלַּח
I will also send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#10
בָּ֔ם
H0
#11
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#12
חֲמַ֖ת
upon them with the poison
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#13
זֹֽחֲלֵ֥י
of serpents
by implication, to fear
#14
עָפָֽר׃
of the dust
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

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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