Deuteronomy 32:47

Authorized King James Version

For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֠י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
וּבַדָּבָ֣ר
H1697
and through this thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
רֵ֥ק
H7386
For it is not a vain
empty; figuratively, worthless
#5
הוּא֙
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#6
מִכֶּ֔ם
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
ה֖וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
חַיֵּיכֶ֑ם
H2416
for you because it is your life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#10
וּבַדָּבָ֣ר
H1697
and through this thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#11
הַזֶּ֗ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#12
תַּֽאֲרִ֤יכוּ
H748
ye shall prolong
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
#13
יָמִים֙
H3117
your days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#14
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה
H127
in the land
soil (from its general redness)
#16
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
אַתֶּ֜ם
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#18
עֹֽבְרִ֧ים
H5674
whither ye go over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#19
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
הַיַּרְדֵּ֛ן
H3383
Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#21
שָׁ֖מָּה
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#22
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃
H3423
to possess
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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