Deuteronomy 6:15

Authorized King James Version

(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אֵ֥ל
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#3
קַנָּ֛א
is a jealous
jealous
#4
יְהוָ֤ה
For the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
thy 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
#6
בְּקִרְבֶּ֑ךָ
among
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#7
פֶּן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#8
יֶֽ֠חֱרֶה
be kindled
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
#9
אַף
you lest the anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#10
יְהוָ֤ה
For the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
thy 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
בָּ֔ךְ
H0
#13
וְהִשְׁמִ֣ידְךָ֔
against thee and destroy
to desolate
#14
מֵעַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
פְּנֵ֥י
thee from off the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#16
הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃
of the earth
soil (from its general redness)

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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