Deuteronomy 6:20

Authorized King James Version

And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יִשְׁאָלְךָ֥
asketh
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#3
בִנְךָ֛
And when thy son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
מָחָ֖ר
thee in time to come
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
#5
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
מָ֣ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
הָֽעֵדֹ֗ת
What mean the testimonies
testimony
#8
וְהַֽחֻקִּים֙
and the statutes
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#9
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
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
צִוָּ֛ה
hath commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#12
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ
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
#14
אֶתְכֶֽם׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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

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