Deuteronomy 32:27

Authorized King James Version

Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the LORD hath not done all this.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לוּלֵ֗י
Were it not
if not
#2
כַּ֤עַס
the wrath
vexation
#3
אוֹיֵב֙
of the enemy
hating; an adversary
#4
אָג֔וּר
that I feared
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
#5
פֶּֽן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#6
יְנַכְּר֖וּ
should behave themselves strangely
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
#7
צָרֵ֑ימוֹ
lest their adversaries
a pebble (as in h6864)
#8
פֶּן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#9
יֹֽאמְרוּ֙
and lest they should say
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
יָדֵ֣נוּ
Our hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#11
רָ֔מָה
is high
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#12
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
פָּעַ֥ל
hath not done
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
#15
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
זֹֽאת׃
this (often used adverb)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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