Deuteronomy 6:1

Authorized King James Version

Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְזֹ֣את
this (often used adverb)
#2
הַמִּצְוָ֗ה
Now these are the commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#3
הַֽחֻקִּים֙
the statutes
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#4
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים
and the judgments
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#5
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
צִוָּ֛ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#7
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your 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
לְלַמֵּ֣ד
to teach
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#10
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת
you that ye might do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
them in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
אַתֶּ֛ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#15
עֹֽבְרִ֥ים
whither ye go
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#16
שָׁ֖מָּה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#17
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃
to possess
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Deuteronomy.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources