Deuteronomy 9:6

Authorized King James Version

Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָֽדַעְתָּ֗
Understand
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#2
כִּ֠י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
בְצִדְקָֽתְךָ֙
it for thy righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#5
יְהוָ֣ה
therefore that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
אֱ֠לֹהֶיךָ
thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#7
נֹתֵ֨ן
giveth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
לְךָ֜
H0
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הָאָ֧רֶץ
land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
הַטּוֹבָ֛ה
thee not this good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#12
הַזֹּ֖את
this (often used adverb)
#13
לְרִשְׁתָּ֑הּ
to possess
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#14
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
עַם
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#16
קְשֵׁה
severe (in various applications)
#17
עֹ֖רֶף
for thou art a stiffnecked
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
#18
אָֽתָּה׃
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, 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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