Deuteronomy 7:10

Authorized King James Version

And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְשַׁלֶּם
And repayeth
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#2
לְשֹׂ֣נְא֔וֹ
them that hate
to hate (personally)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
פָּנָ֖יו
him to his 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
#5
לְהַֽאֲבִיד֑וֹ
H6
to destroy
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#6
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יְאַחֵר֙
them he will not be slack
to loiter (i.e., be behind); by implication to procrastinate
#8
לְשֹׂ֣נְא֔וֹ
them that hate
to hate (personally)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
פָּנָ֖יו
him to his 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
#11
יְשַׁלֶּם
And repayeth
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#12
לֽוֹ׃
H0

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 revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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