Deuteronomy 8:9

Authorized King James Version

A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶ֚רֶץ
A land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#2
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
wherein
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
לֹֽא
without
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
בְמִסְכֵּנֻת֙
scarceness
indigence
#5
תֹּֽאכַל
thou shalt eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#6
בָּ֣הּ
H0
#7
לֶ֔חֶם
bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#8
לֹֽא
without
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תֶחְסַ֥ר
thou shalt not lack
to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen
#10
כֹּ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
בָּ֑הּ
H0
#12
אֶ֚רֶץ
A land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
wherein
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
אֲבָנֶ֣יהָ
H68
whose stones
a stone
#15
בַרְזֶ֔ל
are iron
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
#16
וּמֵֽהֲרָרֶ֖יהָ
and out of whose hills
a mountain
#17
תַּחְצֹ֥ב
thou mayest dig
to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave
#18
נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃
brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources