Deuteronomy 32:51

Authorized King James Version

Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל֩
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
מְעַלְתֶּ֜ם
Because ye trespassed
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
#4
בִּ֗י
H0
#5
בְּת֖וֹךְ
against me among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#6
בְּנֵ֥י
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
בְּמֵֽי
at the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#9
מְרִיבַ֥ת
of Meribah-Kadesh
quarrel
#10
קָדֵ֖שׁ
kadesh, a place in the desert
#11
מִדְבַּר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#12
צִ֑ן
of Zin
tsin, a part of the desert
#13
עַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
קִדַּשְׁתֶּם֙
because ye sanctified
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#17
אוֹתִ֔י
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
בְּת֖וֹךְ
against me among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#19
בְּנֵ֥י
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#20
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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

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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources