Deuteronomy 9:14

Authorized King James Version

Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֶ֤רֶף
Let me alone
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
#2
מִמֶּ֙נִּי֙
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#3
וְאַשְׁמִידֵ֔ם
that I may destroy
to desolate
#4
וְאֶמְחֶ֣ה
them and blot out
properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
שְׁמָ֔ם
their name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#7
מִתַּ֖חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#8
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
from under heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#9
וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙
and I will make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
אֽוֹתְךָ֔
of
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#11
לְגוֹי
thee a nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#12
עָצ֥וּם
mightier
powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous
#13
וָרָ֖ב
and greater
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#14
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of covenant community 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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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