Deuteronomy 9:19

Authorized King James Version

For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יָגֹ֗רְתִּי
For I was afraid
to fear
#3
מִפְּנֵ֤י
of
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#4
הָאַף֙
the anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#5
וְהַ֣חֵמָ֔ה
and hot displeasure
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
קָצַ֧ף
was wroth
to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage
#8
יְהוָה֙
wherewith the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
לְהַשְׁמִ֣יד
against you to destroy
to desolate
#11
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע
hearkened
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#13
יְהוָה֙
wherewith the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
אֵלַ֔י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
גַּ֖ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#16
בַּפַּ֥עַם
unto me at that time
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#17
הַהִֽוא׃
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

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

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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