Deuteronomy 4:37

Authorized King James Version

And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְתַ֗חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#2
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
אָהַב֙
And because he loved
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
אֲבֹתֶ֔יךָ
H1
thy fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#6
וַיִּבְחַ֥ר
therefore he chose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#7
בְּזַרְע֖וֹ
their seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#8
אַֽחֲרָ֑יו
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#9
וַיּוֹצִֽאֲךָ֧
them and brought thee out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#10
בְּפָנָ֛יו
in his sight
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
בְּכֹח֥וֹ
power
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#12
הַגָּדֹ֖ל
with his mighty
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#13
מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
out of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, 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 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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources