Deuteronomy 32:6

Authorized King James Version

Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְיְהוָה֙
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
לְיְהוָה֙
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
תִּגְמְלוּ
Do ye thus requite
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
#4
זֹ֔את
this (often used adverb)
#5
עַ֥ם
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
נָבָ֖ל
O foolish
stupid; wicked (especially impious)
#7
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
חָכָ֑ם
and unwise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#9
הֲלוֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
הוּא֙
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
#11
אָבִ֣יךָ
H1
is not he thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#12
קָּנֶ֔ךָ
that hath bought
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
#13
ה֥וּא
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
#14
עָֽשְׂךָ֖
thee hath he not made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#15
וַֽיְכֹנְנֶֽךָ׃
thee and established
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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