Deuteronomy 4:7

Authorized King James Version

For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֚י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
מִי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#3
ג֣וֹי
For what nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#4
גָּד֔וֹל
is there so great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#5
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
ל֥וֹ
H0
#7
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
our 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
#8
קְרֹבִ֣ים
so nigh
near (in place, kindred or time)
#9
אֵלָ֑יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
כַּֽיהוָ֣ה
unto them as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
our 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
#12
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
קָרְאֵ֖נוּ
is in all things that we call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#14
אֵלָֽיו׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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