Deuteronomy 5:26

Authorized King James Version

For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
מִ֣י
H4310
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#3
כָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
בָּשָׂ֡ר
H1320
For who is there of all flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#5
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
שָׁמַ֣ע
H8085
that hath heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#7
קוֹל֩
H6963
the voice
a voice or sound
#8
אֱלֹהִ֨ים
H430
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
#9
חַיִּ֜ים
H2416
of the living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#10
מְדַבֵּ֧ר
H1696
speaking
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#11
מִתּוֹךְ
H8432
out of the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#12
הָאֵ֛שׁ
H784
of the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#13
כָּמֹ֖נוּ
H3644
as, thus, so
#14
וַיֶּֽחִי׃
H2421
as we have and lived
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

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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