Deuteronomy 33:1

Authorized King James Version

And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְזֹ֣את
this (often used adverb)
#2
הַבְּרָכָ֗ה
And this is the blessing
benediction; by implication prosperity
#3
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
בֵּרַ֥ךְ
blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#5
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
wherewith Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#6
אִ֥ישׁ
the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#7
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
בְּנֵ֣י
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
#10
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
לִפְנֵ֖י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#12
מוֹתֽוֹ׃
his death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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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