Deuteronomy 9:13

Authorized King James Version

Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֵאמֹ֑ר
spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָ֖ה
Furthermore the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֵלַ֣י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
לֵאמֹ֑ר
spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I have seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
עַם
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
הַזֶּ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#9
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#10
עַם
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
קְשֵׁה
severe (in various applications)
#12
עֹ֖רֶף
and behold it is a stiffnecked
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
#13
הֽוּא׃
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation 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 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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