Deuteronomy 8:5

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָֽדַעְתָּ֖
Thou shalt also consider
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#2
עִם
in
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#3
לְבָבֶ֑ךָ
thine heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#4
כִּ֗י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
מְיַסְּרֶֽךָּ׃
chasteneth
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
#7
אִישׁ֙
that as a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
בְּנ֔וֹ
his 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
#10
יְהוָ֥ה
so the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
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
מְיַסְּרֶֽךָּ׃
chasteneth
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct

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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources