Deuteronomy 9:2

Authorized King James Version

A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַֽם
A people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#2
גָּד֥וֹל
great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#3
וָרָ֖ם
and tall
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#4
בְּנֵ֥י
the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
עֲנָקִ֑ים
of the Anakims
an anakite or descendant of anak
#6
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
אַתָּ֤ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
יָדַ֙עְתָּ֙
whom thou knowest
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#9
וְאַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#10
שָׁמַ֔עְתָּ
and of whom thou hast heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#11
מִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#12
יִתְיַצֵּ֔ב
say Who can stand
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
#13
לִפְנֵ֖י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#14
בְּנֵ֥י
the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
עֲנָֽק׃
of Anak
anak, a canaanite

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

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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