Deuteronomy 33:3

Authorized King James Version

Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֚ף
Yea
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#2
חֹבֵ֣ב
he loved
properly, to hide (as in the bosom), i.e., to cherish (with affection)
#3
עַמִּ֔ים
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
קְדֹשָׁ֖יו
all his saints
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#6
בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ
are in thy hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#7
וְהֵם֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#8
תֻּכּ֣וּ
and they sat down
to strew, i.e., encamp
#9
לְרַגְלֶ֔ךָ
at thy feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#10
יִשָּׂ֖א
every one shall receive
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#11
מִדַּבְּרֹתֶֽיךָ׃
of thy words
a word

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

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