Deuteronomy 33:12

Authorized King James Version

And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְבִנְיָמִ֣ן
And of Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#2
אָמַ֔ר
he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְדִ֣יד
The beloved
loved
#4
יְהוָֹ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
שָׁכֵֽן׃
long and he shall dwell
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#6
לָבֶ֖טַח
in safety
properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely
#7
עָלָ֑יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
חֹפֵ֤ף
by him and the LORD shall cover
to cover (in protection)
#9
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
הַיּ֔וֹם
him all the day
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
#12
וּבֵ֥ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#13
כְּתֵפָ֖יו
between his shoulders
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
#14
שָׁכֵֽן׃
long and he shall dwell
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

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