Deuteronomy 4:12

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְדַבֵּ֧ר
spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מִתּ֣וֹךְ
unto you out of the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#5
הָאֵ֑שׁ
of the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#6
קֽוֹל׃
the voice
a voice or sound
#7
דְּבָרִים֙
of the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#8
אַתֶּ֣ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#9
שֹֽׁמְעִ֔ים
ye heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#10
וּתְמוּנָ֛ה
no similitude
something portioned (i.e., fashioned) out, as a shape, i.e., (indefinitely) phantom, or (specifically) embodiment, or (figuratively) manifestation (of
#11
אֵֽינְכֶ֥ם
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#12
רֹאִ֖ים
but saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#13
זֽוּלָתִ֥י
only
probably scattering, i.e., removal; used adverbially, except
#14
קֽוֹל׃
the voice
a voice or sound

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 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 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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