Deuteronomy 9:17

Authorized King James Version

And I took the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and brake them before your eyes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָֽאֶתְפֹּשׂ֙
And I took
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
#2
שְׁתֵּ֣י
my two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
הַלֻּחֹ֔ת
tables
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
#4
וָֽאַשְׁלִכֵ֔ם
and cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#5
מֵעַ֖ל
them out of
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
שְׁתֵּ֣י
my two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#7
יָדָ֑י
hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#8
וָֽאֲשַׁבְּרֵ֖ם
and brake
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#9
לְעֵֽינֵיכֶֽם׃
them before your eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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