Deuteronomy 5:25

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּה֙

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

לָ֣מָּה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

וָמָֽתְנוּ׃

H4191

Now therefore why should we die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תֹֽאכְלֵ֔נוּ

H398

will consume

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הָאֵ֥שׁ

H784

fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

הַגְּדֹלָ֖ה

H1419

for this great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

הַזֹּ֑את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#10

יֹֽסְפִ֣ים׀

H3254

any more

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

#11

אֲנַ֗חְנוּ

H587

#12

לִ֠שְׁמֹעַ

H8085

us if we hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#13

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

ק֨וֹל

H6963

the voice

a voice or sound

#15

יְהוָ֧ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

אֱלֹהֵ֛ינוּ

H430

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

#17

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#18

וָמָֽתְנוּ׃

H4191

Now therefore why should we die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 sovereignty 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Deuteronomy chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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Deuteronomy 5:25

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources