Deuteronomy 5:29

Authorized King James Version

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִֽי
H4310
an
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#2
יִתֵּ֡ן
H5414
in them
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
וְהָיָה֩
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
לְבָבָ֨ם
H3824
heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#5
זֶ֜ה
H2088
O that there were such
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
לָהֶ֗ם
H0
#7
לְיִרְאָ֥ה
H3372
that they would fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#8
אֹתִ֛י
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
וְלִשְׁמֹ֥ר
H8104
me and keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#10
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
מִצְוֹתַ֖י
H4687
all my commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#13
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
הַיָּמִ֑ים
H3117
always
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#15
לְמַ֨עַן
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#16
יִיטַ֥ב
H3190
that it might be well
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#17
לָהֶ֛ם
H0
#18
וְלִבְנֵיהֶ֖ם
H1121
with them and with their children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#19
לְעֹלָֽם׃
H5769
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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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