Deuteronomy 8:6

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשָׁ֣מַרְתָּ֔
Therefore thou shalt keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
מִצְוֹ֖ת
the commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#4
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
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
לָלֶ֥כֶת
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
בִּדְרָכָ֖יו
in his ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#8
וּלְיִרְאָ֥ה
and to fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#9
אֹתֽוֹ׃
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 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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