Deuteronomy 32:25

Authorized King James Version

The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִחוּץ֙
without
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#2
תְּשַׁכֶּל
shall destroy
properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)
#3
חֶ֔רֶב
The sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#4
וּמֵֽחֲדָרִ֖ים
within
an apartment (usually literal)
#5
אֵימָ֑ה
and terror
fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear)
#6
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#7
בָּחוּר֙
both the young man
properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)
#8
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#9
בְּתוּלָ֔ה
and the virgin
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
#10
יוֹנֵ֖ק
the suckling
to suck; causatively, to give milk
#11
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#12
אִ֥ישׁ
also with the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#13
שֵׂיבָֽה׃
of gray hairs
old age

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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