Deuteronomy 4:27

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵפִ֧יץ
shall scatter
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
#2
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
בָּֽעַמִּ֑ים
you among the nations
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
וְנִשְׁאַרְתֶּם֙
and ye shall be left
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
#6
מְתֵ֣י
few
properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)
#7
מִסְפָּ֔ר
in number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#8
בַּגּוֹיִ֕ם
among the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#9
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
יְנַהֵ֧ג
shall lead
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh
#11
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
שָֽׁמָּה׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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