Deuteronomy 9:11

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
מִקֵּץ֙
And it came to pass at the end
an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after
#3
וְאַרְבָּעִ֖ים
and forty
forty
#4
י֔וֹם
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
וְאַרְבָּעִ֖ים
and forty
forty
#6
לָ֑יְלָה
nights
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#7
נָתַ֨ן
gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
יְהוָ֜ה
that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
אֵלַ֗י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
שְׁנֵ֛י
me the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#12
לֻח֥וֹת
even the tables
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
#13
הָֽאֲבָנִ֖ים
H68
of stone
a stone
#14
לֻח֥וֹת
even the tables
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
#15
הַבְּרִֽית׃
of the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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