Deuteronomy 4:48

Authorized King James Version

From Aroer, which is by the bank of the river Arnon, even unto mount Sion, which is Hermon,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֵֽעֲרֹעֵ֞ר
From Aroer
aror, the name of three places in or near palestine
#2
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
שְׂפַת
which is by the bank
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#5
נַ֧חַל
of the river
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#6
אַרְנֹ֛ן
Arnon
the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory
#7
וְעַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#8
הַ֥ר
even unto mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#9
שִׂיאֹ֖ן
Sion
sion, the summit of mount hermon
#10
ה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#11
חֶרְמֽוֹן׃
which is Hermon
chermon, a mount of palestine

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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