Deuteronomy 32:30

Authorized King James Version

How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵיכָ֞ה
how? or how!; also where
#2
יִרְדֹּ֤ף
chase
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#3
אֶחָד֙
How should one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#4
אֶ֔לֶף
a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#5
וּשְׁנַ֖יִם
and two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#6
יָנִ֣יסוּ
to flight
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#7
רְבָבָ֑ה
put ten
abundance (in number), i.e., (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)
#8
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#9
לֹא֙
except
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
כִּֽי
them
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
צוּרָ֣ם
their Rock
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
#12
מְכָרָ֔ם
had sold
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
#13
וַֽיהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
הִסְגִּירָֽם׃
had shut them up
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources