Deuteronomy 7:9

Authorized King James Version

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָ֣דַעְתָּ֔
Know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
יְהוָ֥ה
therefore that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
he is 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
#5
ה֣וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#6
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
he is 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
#7
הָאֵל֙
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#8
הַֽנֶּאֱמָ֔ן
the faithful
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
#9
וּלְשֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י
him and keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#10
הַבְּרִ֣ית
covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#11
וְהַחֶ֗סֶד
and mercy
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#12
לְאֹֽהֲבָ֛יו
with them that love
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#13
וּלְשֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י
him and keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#14
מִצְוֹתָ֖ו
his commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#15
לְאֶ֥לֶף
to a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#16
דּֽוֹר׃
generations
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights covenant through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, 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 covenant 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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