Deuteronomy 34:9

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#2
בְּנֵֽי
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
נ֗וּן
of Nun
nun or non, the father of joshua
#4
מָלֵא֙
was full
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
#5
ר֣וּחַ
of the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#6
חָכְמָ֔ה
of wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
סָמַ֥ךְ
had laid
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
#9
מֹשֶֽׁה׃
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
יָדָ֖יו
his hands
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
#12
עָלָ֑יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
וַיִּשְׁמְע֨וּ
hearkened
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#14
אֵלָ֤יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
בְּנֵֽי
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#16
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#17
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֔וּ
unto him and did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#18
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#19
צִוָּ֥ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#20
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#21
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#22
מֹשֶֽׁה׃
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

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 wisdom 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 wisdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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