Deuteronomy 4:41

Authorized King James Version

Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָ֣ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#2
יַבְדִּ֤יל
severed
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
#3
מֹשֶׁה֙
Then Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#4
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#5
עָרִ֔ים
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
בְּעֵ֖בֶר
on this side
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#7
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן
Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#8
מִזְרְחָ֖ה
sunrise, i.e., the east
#9
שָֽׁמֶשׁ׃
toward the sunrising
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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