Deuteronomy 4:40

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשָֽׁמַרְתָּ֞
Thou shalt keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
חֻקָּ֣יו
therefore his statutes
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#4
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
מִצְוֹתָ֗יו
and his commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
אָֽנֹכִ֤י
i
#8
מְצַוְּךָ֙
which I command
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#9
הַיָּמִֽים׃
thee this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#10
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
יִיטַ֣ב
that it may go well
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#12
לְךָ֔
H0
#13
וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ
with thee and with thy children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
אַֽחֲרֶ֑יךָ
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#15
וּלְמַ֨עַן
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#16
תַּֽאֲרִ֤יךְ
thee and that thou mayest prolong
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
#17
הַיָּמִֽים׃
thee this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#18
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה
upon the earth
soil (from its general redness)
#20
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
יְהוָ֧ה
which the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#22
אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ
thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#23
נֹתֵ֥ן
giveth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#24
לְךָ֖
H0
#25
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#26
הַיָּמִֽים׃
thee this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources