Deuteronomy 4:14

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֹתִ֞י
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
צִוָּ֤ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#3
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
בָּעֵ֣ת
me at that time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#5
הַהִ֔וא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#6
לְלַמֵּ֣ד
to teach
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#7
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
חֻקִּ֖ים
you statutes
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#9
וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֑ים
and judgments
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#10
לַעֲשֹֽׂתְכֶ֣ם
that ye might do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
אֹתָ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
בָּאָ֕רֶץ
them in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
אַתֶּ֛ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#15
עֹֽבְרִ֥ים
whither ye go over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#16
שָׁ֖מָּה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#17
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃
to possess
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

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 divine sovereignty 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 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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