Deuteronomy 4:22

Authorized King James Version

But I must die in this land, I must not go over Jordan: but ye shall go over, and possess that good land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אָֽנֹכִ֥י
i
#3
מֵת֙
But I must die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#4
הָאָ֥רֶץ
in this land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
הַזֹּ֔את
this (often used adverb)
#6
אֵינֶ֥נִּי
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#7
עֹֽבְרִ֔ים
I must not go over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן
Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#10
וְאַתֶּם֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#11
עֹֽבְרִ֔ים
I must not go over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#12
וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֕ם
and 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
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הָאָ֥רֶץ
in this land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#15
הַטּוֹבָ֖ה
that good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#16
הַזֹּֽאת׃
this (often used adverb)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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