Deuteronomy 29

Deuteronomy 29

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These are the wordsI of the covenantII that the LordIII 

Notes on verse 1a

I “words” = dabar. From dabar (to speak, declare, discuss). This is speech, a word, a matter, an affair, charge, command, message, promise, purpose, report, request. It is a word, which implies things that are spoken of in a wide sense.
II “covenant” = berit. Perhaps from barah (to eat, choose, make clear); perhaps from bar (grain, wheat); from barar (to select, purify, cleanse, test, brighten, polish). This is a compact, covenant, alliance, treaty, or league.
III “Lord” = YHVH. From havah (to be, become) or hayah (to come to pass, become, be). This is the name of the God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal one, the tetragrammaton. This pronunciation has been lost to time so “Lord” is generally used in its place.

commandedIV MosesV to makeVI with the IsraelitesVII

Notes on verse 1b

IV “commanded” = tsavah. This is to charge, command, order, appoint, or enjoin. This is the root that the Hebrew word for “commandment” comes from (mitsvah).
V “Moses” = Mosheh. From mashah (to pull out in a literal or figurative sense, to draw out) OR from Egyptian mes or mesu (child, son i.e. child of…). This is Moses – the one drawn out from the water, which is to say, rescued. If derived from the Egyptian, his name would share a root with Rameses and Thutmose.
VI “make” = karat. This is to cut down, cut off, or make a covenant (idiom for making a covenant is “to cut a covenant”). It can also mean to destroy, fail, or consume.
VII “Israelites” = ben + Yisrael. Ben is from banah (to build or obtain children). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense. Yisrael is from sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + El (God or god). This is Israel, meaning God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring. This refers to the people and to the land.

in the landVIII of Moab,IX in addition toX the covenant that he had made with them at Horeb.XI

Notes on verse 1c

VIII “land” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
IX “Moab” = Moab. May be from ab (father, ancestor, grandfather; father in a literal or figurative sense). This is Moab or Moabite. Name could mean “from her father” in reference to the incestuous relationship between Lot and his daughters. The name could also mean, more pleasantly, “seed of a father” or “desirable land.” See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moab
X “in addition to” = bad. From badad (to divide or be separated; alone, solitary, lonely, isolated, straggler). This is apart, alone, separation, body part, tree branch, except. It can also be a city’s chief.
XI “Horeb” = Choreb. 17x in OT. From chareb (to devastate, desolate, or be waste). Horeb means waste or desolate.

Moses summonedXII allXIII Israel and saidXIV to them, “You have seenXV all that the Lord didXVI before your eyesXVII

Notes on verse 2a

XII “summoned” = qara. This is to call or call out – to call someone by name. Also used more broadly for calling forth.
XIII “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
XIV “said” = amar. This is to speak, say, answer, command, promise, report.
XV “seen” = raah. This is to see in a literal or figurative sense so stare, advise, think, view.
XVI “did” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.
XVII “eyes” = ayin. This is eye in a literal or figurative sense so eye, appearance, favor, or a fountain (the eye of the landscape).

in the land of Egypt,XVIII to PharaohXIX and to all his servantsXX and to all his land, the greatXXI trialsXXII that your eyes saw,

Notes on verses 2b-3a

XVIII “Egypt” = Mitsrayim. Perhaps from matsor (besieged or fortified place, bulwark, entrenchment; something hemmed in; a siege or distress or fastness); from tsur (to confine, besiege, to cramp). This is Egypt.
XIX “Pharaoh” = Paroh. From Egyptian pr (palace, pharaoh; literally house + great). This is Pharaoh, a title for Egyptian kings. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pharaoh
XX “servants” = ebed. From abad (to work, serve, compel; any kind of work; used causatively, can mean to enslave or keep in bondage). This is a servant, slave, or bondservant.
XXI “great” = gadol. From gadal (to grow up, become great, become wealthy – to advance. The root meaning may be to twist in the sense of the process of growing). This is great, high, bigger, noble, old, marvelous. It can also refer to someone who is powerful or distinguished.
XXII “trials” = massah. 5x in OT.  From nasah (to test, prove, try, tempt, or attempt). This is testing, trial, calamity, despair. It can be used of human trials or God’s testing. It can also be Massah.

the signs,XXIII and those great wonders.XXIV But to this dayXXV the Lord has not givenXXVI you

Notes on verses 3b-4a

XXIII “signs” = oth. From avah (to mark, sign, point out); OR from uth (to agree). This is a sign in a literal or figurative sense. It could be a flag or monument. It could be evidence or a mark. It could also be an omen or a miracle. 
XXIV “wonders” = mopheth. Perhaps from yaphah (to be beautiful, decorate; root means being bright, which implies being beautiful). This is a wonder, miracle, symbol, sign, or omen.
XXV “day” = yom. Root may mean being hot. This is the day in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean birth, age, daylight, continually or other references to time.
XXVI “given” = natan. This is to give, put, set, offer. It is to give literally or figuratively.

a mindXXVII to understandXXVIII or eyes to see or earsXXIX to hear.XXX 

Notes on verse 4b

XXVII “mind” = leb. From the same as lebab (the heart, courage, one’s inner self, the mind, the will; only used in a figurative sense in the Bible); may be related to labab (to encourage; properly, to be encased as with fat; used in a good sense, this means to transport someone with love; used in a bad sense, it can mean to dull one’s senses).. This is inner self, mind, will, feelings, the center.
XXVIII “understand” = yada. This is to know, acknowledge, advise, answer, be aware, be acquainted with. Properly, this is to figure something out by seeing. It includes ideas of observation, recognition, and care about something. It can be used causatively for instruction, designation, and punishment.
XXIX “ears” = ozen. This is ear, hearing, audience, show. Properly, it is broadness – applied to its ear in reference to its shape.
XXX “hear” = shama. This is to hear, call, consent, or consider. It implies listening intelligently, giving attention, and, because of these two factors, obedience and action are often implied.

I have ledXXXI you fortyXXXII yearsXXXIII in the wilderness.XXXIV

Notes on verse 5a

XXXI “led” = halak. This is go, come, walk. It is walk literally and figuratively and includes people and animals. It can be used figuratively for one’s moral life – how we walk according to God’s way or against it. It can also refer to the walk of life as in the course one’s life takes, the choices we make, etc.
XXXII “forty” = arbaim. From the same as arba (four); from raba (to make square or be four-sided); perhaps from raba (to lie down flat; can be to lie for mating). This is forty.
XXXIII “years” = shanah. From shana (to change, alter). This is a year, age, old. It can also mean yearly.
XXXIV “wilderness” = midbar. Related to “words” in v1. From dabar (see note I above). This is mouth or speech. It can also be desert or wilderness. Additionally, it can be used for a pasture to which one drives cattle.

The clothesXXXV on your back have not worn out,XXXVI and the sandalsXXXVII on your feetXXXVIII have not worn out; 

Notes on verse 5b

XXXV “clothes” = salmah. 16x in OT. From simlah (mantle, clothes, wrapper); perhaps from semel (image, figure, likeness). This is the same word as simlah with the letters transposed. So, this is clothing, a cloak, or mantle.
XXXVI “worn out” = balah. 17x in OT. This is to grow old, wear out, consume, waste, enjoy, fail, decay.
XXXVII “sandals” = naal. From naal (properly to secure with a bar or cord; to lock, bolt, enclose; to secure with a cord i.e. to put on a sandal). This is the tongue of a sandal and, by extension, a sandal or shoe itself. Figuratively, this can refer to occupancy, unwillingness to marry, or something without value.
XXXVIII “feet” = regel. This is foot, endurance, or journey. It is a foot as the means of walking and so it implies a step or a greater journey. It can be used euphemistically for private parts.

you have not eatenXXXIX bread,XL and you have not drunkXLI wineXLII or strong drinkXLIII—so that you may knowXLIV that I am the Lord your God.XLV 

Notes on verse 6

XXXIX “eaten” = akal. This is to eat, devour, burn up, or otherwise consume. It can be eating in a literal or figurative sense.
XL “bread” = lechem. From lacham (to eat, feed on). This is bread, food, loaf. It can refer to food more generally for people or for animals.
XLI “drunk” = shathah. This is to drink literally or figuratively. It could also be a drinker.
XLII “wine” = yayin. Root may mean to effervesce, referring to the fermentation process. This is wine, grape, or banquet. It can imply intoxication.
XLIII “strong drink” = shekar. From shakar (to be filled with drink, merry, tipsy; satiated in a positive sense or drunken in a negative sense; also figuratively influence). This is a beverage that intoxicates, liquor, a strong wine. It could also be someone who is a drunk.
XLIV “know” = yada. Same as “understand” in v4. See note XXVIII above.
XLV “God” = Elohim. Related to “Israelites” in v1. See note VII above.

When you cameXLVI to this place,XLVII KingXLVIII SihonXLIX

Notes on verse 7a

XLVI “came” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.
XLVII “place” = maqom. From qum(to arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide; rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action; standing in a figurative sense). This is a standing, which is to say a spot or space a place. It can also refer to a locality or a physical/mental condition. HaMaqom is also a Jewish name for God – the place, i.e. the Omnipresent One.
XLVIII “King” = melek. From malak (to be or become king or queen, to rise to the throne, to be crowned; by implication, to take counsel). This is king or royal.
XLIX “Sihon” = Sichon. Perhaps from the same a ssuach (Suach, a name); from the same as suchah (something swept away, refuse). This is Sihon or Sichon, a name perhaps meaning “tempestuous.”

of HeshbonL and King OgLI of BashanLII

Notes on verse 7b

L “Heshbon” = Cheshbon. From chashab (properly, to braid or interpenetrate; literally, to create or to wear; figuratively, plotting – generally in a negative sense; think, consider, or make account of). This is Heshbon or Cheshbon, meaning “library of synthetic wisdom” or “intelligence” or “reason.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Heshbon.html
LI “Og” = Og. From the same as uggah (bread cake, round ash cake); from ug (to gyrate, bake; baking a round cake). This is Og, a name perhaps meaning “round.”
LII “Bashan” = Bashan. Bashan is a place whose name may mean “smooth.”

came outLIII againstLIV us for battle,LV but we defeatedLVI them. 

Notes on verse 7c

LIII “came out” = yatsa. This is to go or come out, bring forth, appear. It is to go out in a literal or figurative sense.
LIV “against” = qirah. From the same as qara (to happen, meet, bring about). This is any kind of encounter, whether peaceful, hostile, or incidental. It can also mean help or seek.
LV “battle” = milchamah. Related to “bread” in v6. From lacham (see note XL above). This is battle, war, fighting, or one who fights (i.e. a warrior).
LVI “defeated” = nakah. This is to hit whether lightly or severely. It can be used in a literal or figurative sense. So, this could be beat, punish, give wounds, kill, or slaughter.

We tookLVII their land and gave it as an inheritanceLVIII to the Reubenites,LIX

Notes on verse 8a

LVII “took” = laqach. This is to take, accept, carry away, receive. It can also have the sense of take a wife or take in marriage.
LVIII “inheritance” = nachalah. Related to nachal (to inherit, occupy, distribute, take as heritage). This is properly something that was inherited. It can mean occupancy generally or, more particularly, an heirloom or an estate. This can be an inheritance, gift, possession, or portion.
LIX “Reubenites” = Reubeni. Relate to “seen” in v2 & to “Israelites” in v1. 18x in OT. From Reuben (Reuben, meaning “behold a son”); {from raah (see note XV above) + ben (see note VII above)}. This is someone descended from Reuben, a Reubenite.

the Gadites,LX and the halfLXI-tribeLXII of Manasseh.LXIII 

Notes on verse 8b

LX “Gadites” = Gadi. 15x in OT. From Gad (Gad, “fortune” or “fortunate”); perhaps from gad (fortune, troop; Gad, the name of a god of Babylon); from gad (fortunate, a troop); from gud (to invade, overcome, attack). This is Gadite, someone who comes from the tribe of Gad.
LXI “half” = chatsi. From chatsah (to halve, divide, reach, participate). This is half, middle, midnight, midst.
LXII “tribe” = shebet. This is a rod, staff, club, scepter, dart, or tribe. Literally a stick that can be used for punishing, writing, fighting, walking, ruling; thus, used figuratively for a clan.
LXIII “Manasseh” = Menashshi. 4x in OT. From Menashsheh (Manasseh, “to forget;” Manasseh, his tribe, or their lands); from nashah (to forget, neglect, remove, deprive). This is Manassite, someone in the lineage of Manasseh.

Therefore observeLXIV the words of this covenant and performLXV them, in order that you may succeedLXVI in everythingLXVII that you do.

Notes on verse 9

LXIV “observe” = shamar. This is to keep, watch, or preserve. It means to guard something or to protect it as a thorny hedge protects something.
LXV “perform” = asah. Same as “did” in v2. See note XVI above.
LXVI “succeed” = sakal. This is to consider or be prudent and so it can mean to instruct or be an expert. It can also mean dealing prudently, which implies success and prospering. This verb presumes intelligence of the subject. In one form of the verb, it can mean laying cross-wise.
LXVII “everything” = kol. Same as “all” in v2. See note XIII above.

10 “You stand assembledLXVIII today,LXIX all of you, beforeLXX the Lord your God—the leadersLXXI of your tribes, your elders,LXXII

Notes on verse 10a

LXVIII “stand assembled” = natsab. This is to station, appoint, establish, take a stand.
LXIX “today” = yom. Same as “day” in v4. See note XXV above.
LXX “before” = paneh. From panah (to turn, face, appear). This is face in a literal or figurative sense. It could be face, presence, anger, respect. It can also be used of God to indicate divine favor or presence.
LXXI “leaders” = rosh. This may come a word that means to shake. It is the head, captain, or chief. It can also be excellent or the forefront. It can be first in position or in statue or in time (i.e. the beginning).
LXXII “elders” = zaqen. From the same as zaqan (beard or chin – the beard represents old age). This is old, aged, or elder.

and your officials,LXXIII all the menLXXIV of Israel, 11 your children,LXXV your women,LXXVI and the aliensLXXVII

Notes on verses 10b-11a

LXXIII “officials” = shoter. The root may mean write. This is perhaps originally a scribe and so it was used more broadly for an official, officer, ruler, overseer, or magistrate.
LXXIV “men” = ish. Perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is man, husband, another, or humankind.
LXXV “children” = taph. From taphaph (walking along with small, tripping steps like children do). This is little ones, children, families.
LXXVI “women” = ishshah. Related to “men” in v10. From ish (see note LXXIV above). This is woman, wife, or female.
LXXVII “aliens” = ger. From gur (to abide or sojourn; to leave the road to lodge or for any other reason). This is sojourner, guest, stranger, foreigner.

who are inLXXVIII your camp,LXXIX both those who cutLXXX your woodLXXXI

Notes on verse 11b

LXXVIII “in” = qereb. Perhaps from qarab (to come near or approach). This is among, in the midst, before, the center It is the inward part, whether literal or figurative. It can also be used for the heart, the site of thoughts and feelings. This word is also used as a technical term for the entrails of the animals who are sacrificed.
LXXIX “camp” = machaneh. From chanah (to decline, bending down, or living in tents; can be camping to create a home or camping as a part of battle). This is an encampment, whether of people traveling together or soldiers. So, it can be a camp band, or company as well as an army of soldiers. Also can be used of other groups like animals, angels or stars.
LXXX “cut” = chatab. 9x in OT. This is to chop wood, a woodcutter, to polish or carve wood.
LXXXI “wood” = ets. Perhaps from atsah (to shut, fasten, firm up, to close one’s eyes). This is tree or other things related to trees like wood, sticks, or stalks. It can also refer to wood products like a plank or staff or gallows. Additionally, this can refer to a carpenter.

and those who drawLXXXII your waterLXXXIII12 to enterLXXXIV into the covenant of the Lord your God, sworn by an oath,LXXXV which the Lord your God is making with you today, 

Notes on verses 11c-12

LXXXII “draw” = shaab. 19x in OT. This is to draw water – as pulling it up from a well.
LXXXIII “water” = mayim. This is water, waters, or waterway in a general sense. Figuratively, it can also mean juice, urine, or semen.
LXXXIV “enter” = abar. This is to pass over or cross over. It is used for transitions, whether literal or figurative. It can also mean to escape, alienate, or fail. This is the root verb from which “Hebrew” is drawn.
LXXXV “oath” = alah. From alah (to swear, take an oath, curse – usually negative). This is oath, curse, swearing.

13 in order that he may establishLXXXVI you today as his peopleLXXXVII and that he may beLXXXVIII your God, as he promisedLXXXIX you

Notes on verse 13a

LXXXVI “establish” = qum. Related to “place” in v7. See note XLVII above.
LXXXVII “people” = am. From amam (to darken, hide, associate; creating shadows by huddling together). This is people or nation. It can be used specifically for a tribe, collectively of troops or armies, or figuratively to refer to a flock of animals.
LXXXVIII “be” = hayah. Related to “Lord” in v1. See note III above.
LXXXIX “promised” = dabar. Related to “words” in v1 & “wilderness” in v5. See note I above.

and as he sworeXC to your ancestors,XCI to Abraham,XCII to Isaac,XCIII and to Jacob.XCIV 

Notes on verse 13b

XC “swore” = shaba. Perhaps from sheba (seven – the number of perfection/sacred fullness). This is to swear, curse, vow, make a covenant. Properly, it can mean to be complete. This is to seven oneself – as in affirming something so strongly it is as though it were said seven times.
XCI “ancestors” = ab. Related to “Moab” in v1. See note IX above.
XCII “Abraham” = Abraham. Related to “Moab” in v1 & “ancestors” in v13. From the same as Abiram (exalted father, a high father – lofty) {from ab (see note IX above) + rum (rise, bring up, being high, extol, exalt, haughty; to raise in a literal or figurative sense)}. This is Abraham, father of many nations or father of a multitude.
XCIII “Isaac” = Yitschaq. From tsachaq (to laugh, mock, play, make sport; this is laughing out loud whether in joy or in a scornful way). This is Isaac, meaning “he laughs.”
XCIV “Jacob” = Yaaqob. From the same as aqeb (heel, hind part, hoof, rear guard of an army, one who lies in wait, usurper). This is Isaac’s son and his descendants. The name means heel-catcher or supplanter.

14 I am making this covenant, sworn by an oath, not onlyXCV with you 15 whoXCVI standXCVII here with us today beforeXCVIII the Lord our God but also with those who are notXCIX here with us today. 

Notes on verses 14-15

XCV “only” = bad. Same as “in addition to” in v1. See note X above.
XCVI {untranslated} = yesh. This is being, existence, or substance.
XCVII “stand” = amad. This is to stand up in a literal or figurative sense. So it can be establish, continue, endure, take a stand, act, be a servant, stand still, remain, stand against an enemy.
XCVIII “before” = paneh. Same as “before” in v10. See note LXX above.
XCIX “not” = ayin. Perhaps from a word that means to be nothing. This means nothing, none, non-existent. It can also simply mean not or are not.

16 You know how we livedC in the land of Egypt and how we came throughCI the midstCII of the nationsCIII through which you passed.CIV 

Notes on verse 16

C “lived” = yashab. This is to sit and so to remain and so to dwell. It is sitting for any reason – as a judge, in order to ambush, or just sitting quietly. Causatively, this can mean settling or marrying. This can also mean continue, endure, or establish.
CI “came through” = abar. Same as “enter” in v12. See note LXXXIV above.
CII “midst” = qereb. Same as “in in v11. See note LXXVIII above.
CIII “nations” = goy. From the same root as gevah (the back, person, or body); related to gev (among); related to gaah (to rise up). This is nation or people. Often used to refer to Gentiles or foreign nations. It can also be used figuratively for a group of animals. This is where the Yiddish “goy” comes from.
CIV “passed” = abar. Same as “enter” in v12. See note LXXXIV above.

17 You have seen their detestable things,CV the filthy idolsCVI of wood and stone,CVII of silverCVIII and gold,CIX that were among them. 

Notes on verse 17

CV “detestable things” = shiqquts. From the same as sheqets (abhorrent, detestable thing; filth; figuratively an object used for idolatry); from shaqats (to detest, abhor, be filthy, pollute). This is something that is detested, filth, an abomination. It can also refer to an idol or something idolatrous.
CVI “idols” = gillul. From galal (to roll in a literal or figurative sense, roll away, roll down, wallow, remove, trust). This is an idol, as carved from a round log.
CVII “stone” = eben. This is a stone, weight, or mason. It is part of the word “Ebenezer.”
CVIII “silver” = keseph. From kasaph (to long for, be greedy; to become pale). This is silver or money.
CIX “gold” = zahab. Root may mean to shimmer. This is gold or something that has the color of gold like oil. It can also refer to a clear sky – to good weather.

18 It mayCX beCXI that there is among you a man or woman or a familyCXII or tribe whose heartCXIII is alreadyCXIV turning awayCXV

Notes on verse 18a

CX “may” = pen. Related to “before” in v10. Perhaps from panah (see note LXX above). This is lest, if, or.
CXI “be” = yesh. Same as {untranslated} in v15. See note XCVI above.
CXII “family” = mishpachah. From the same as shiphcah (maid, maidservant); root means to spread out. This is one’s circle of relatives – clan, family, kindred.
CXIII “heart” = lebab. Related to “mind” in v4. See note XXVII above.
CXIV “already” = yom. Same as “day” in v4. See note XXV above.
CXV “turning away” = panah. Related to “before” in v10 & “may” in v18. See note LXX above.

from the Lord our GodCXVI to serveCXVII the godsCXVIII of those nations. It may beCXIX that there is among you a rootCXX sprouting poisonousCXXI

Notes on verse 18b

CXVI {untranslated} = halak. Same as “led” in v5. See note XXXI above.
CXVII “serve” = abad. Related to “servants” in v2. See note XX above.
CXVIII “gods” = elohim. Same as “God” in v6. See note XLV above.
CXIX “be” = yesh. Same as {untranslated} in v15. See note XCVI above.
CXX “root” = shoresh. Perhaps from sharash (to root into soil or uproot). This is a root, depth, line, heel, bottom. It is  root in a literal or figurative sense.
CXXI “poisonous” = rosh. Related to “leaders” in v10. 12x in OT. From rosh (see note LXXI above). This is bitterness, gall, poison. It can be used of a plant or of venom from a snake.

and bitterCXXII growth.CXXIII 19 CXXIVAll who hear the words of this oath and blessCXXV themselves, thinkingCXXVI in their hearts,

Notes on verses 18c-19a

CXXII “bitter” = laanah. 8x in OT. May come from a word that means to curse. This is wormwood or hemlock.
CXXIII “sprouting…growth” = parah. This is to bear fruit, grow, be fruitful, increase. It is bearing fruit in a literal or figurative sense.
CXXIV {untranslated} = hayah. Same as “be” in v13. See note LXXXVIII above.
CXXV “bless” = barak. This is to kneel, to bless. It is blessing God as part of worship and adoration or blessing humans to help them. It can be used as a euphemism to say curse God.
CXXVI “thinking” = amar. Same as “said” in v2. See note XIV above.

‘We are safeCXXVII even though we goCXXVIII our own stubborn ways’CXXIX

Notes on verse 19b

CXXVII “safe” = shalom. From shalam (to be complete or sound; to have safety mentally, physically, or extending to one’s estate; so, if these things are safe and complete, the implication is that one would be friendly; and, if being friendly, one would make amends and that friendship would be reciprocated). This is completeness, soundness, welfare, favor, friend, good health. It is to be safe and figuratively well, happy, at peace, friendly. Abstractly, it includes the ideas of welfare and prosperity (not in excessive wealth, but in having enough).
CXXVIII “go” = halak. Same as “led” in v5. See note XXXI above.
CXXIX “stubborn ways” = sheriruth + leb. Sheriruth is 10x in OT. From the same as shor (body, umbilical cord, core of strength); from sharar (enemy or watcher); see shorer (foe, a treacherous watcher); from shur (to behold, see, watch, perceive; to spy out, lie in wait, lurk for; can also be to care for). This is stubbornness or lust. Leb is the same as “mind” in v4. See note XXVII above.

(thus sweeping awayCXXX the moistCXXXI with the dry)CXXXII— 20 the Lord will be unwillingCXXXIII to pardonCXXXIV them,

Notes on verses 19c-20a

CXXX “sweeping away” = saphah. This is to capture, sweep away, scrape, remove, heap up, scatter, ruin, or perish.
CXXXI “moist” = raveh. 3x in OT. From ravah (to have one’s thirst or cravings satisfied; to soak, water, or satisfy). This is watered or drunken.
CXXXII “dry” = tsame. 9x in OT. From tsame (to thirst in a literal or figurative sense). This is dry, thirsty, or someone who is thirsty in a literal or figurative sense.
CXXXIII “be unwilling” = lo + abah. Abah is to breathe after, be willing, obey, accept, be content with, satisfy.
CXXXIV “pardon” = salach. This is to forgive, pardon, spare.

for then the Lord’s angerCXXXV and passionCXXXVI will smokeCXXXVII against them.CXXXVIII

Notes on verse 20b

CXXXV “anger” = aph. From anaph (to be angry; properly, breathing hard as a signifier of being enraged). This properly refers to the nose or nostril and by extension the face. It can specifically refer to anger or wrath as one breathes hard and nostrils flare in times of great anger.
CXXXVI “passion” = qinah. Perhaps from qana (to be jealous, zealous, envious). This is zeal, jealousy, envy, anger, passion rivalry.
CXXXVII “smoke” = ashan. 6x in OT. From ashan (smoke, vapor, dust, or anger). This is to smoke or burn in a literal or figurative sense; to be angry.
CXXXVIII “them” = ish. Same as “men” in v10. See note LXXIV above.

All the cursesCXXXIX writtenCXL in this bookCXLI will descendCXLII on them,

Notes on verse 20c

CXXXIX “curses” = alah. Same as “oath” in v12. See note LXXXV above.
CXL “written” = kathab. This is to inscribe, write, record, or decree.
CXLI “book” = sepher. Perhaps from saphar (to tally or record something; to enumerate, recount, number, celebrate, or declare). This can be writing itself or something that is written like a document, book, letter, evidence, bill, scroll, or register.
CXLII “descend” = rabats. This is crouched like an animal, lie down, lie stretch out, rest, sit, brood, lurk.

and the Lord will blot outCXLIII their namesCXLIV from underCXLV heaven.CXLVI 

Notes on verse 20d

CXLIII “blot out” = machah. This is to rub, which implies to erase. It can also be making something smooth with grease or oil. So, this could we wipe out, blot out, or destroy. Also, to touch or reach.
CXLIV “names” = shem. May be from sum (to put, place, set). This is name, fame, renown. A name was thought to indicate something essential about a person – something about their individuality. So, this word can also mean honor, authority, or character.
CXLV “under” = tachat. This is underneath, below, the bottom, instead of.
CXLVI “heaven” = shamayim. Root may mean being lofty. This is sky, the air, or heaven. It is in a dual noun form so this might refer to the part of the sky where the clouds move on the one hand and the part beyond that where the sun, moon, and stars are on the other hand.

21 The Lord will single them outCXLVII from all the tribes of Israel for calamity,CXLVIII in accordance with all the curses of the covenant written in this book of the law.CXLIX 

Notes on verse 21

CXLVII “single…out” = badal. This is to divide, distinguish, select, differ, sever. It is to divine in a literal or figurative sense.
CXLVIII “calamity” = ra’. From ra’a’ (to be evil, bad, afflict; properly, to spoil – to destroy by breaking into pieces; figuratively, to cause something to be worthless; this is bad in a physical, social, or moral sense; that which displeases, to do harm or mischief, to punish or vex). This is bad, disagreeable, that which causes pain, misery, something having little or no value, something that is ethically bad, wicked, injury, calamity. This refers to anything that is not what it ought to be – a natural disaster, a disfigurement, an injury, a sin.
CXLIX “law” = torah. From yarah (to throw, shoot, be stunned; to flow as water so figuratively to instruct or teach). This is law, instruction, teaching, or statute. It can also refer to the first five books of the Bible – the Torah.

22 CLThe nextCLI generation,CLII your childrenCLIII who rise upCLIV afterCLV you,

Notes on verse 22a

CL {untranslated} = amar. Same as “said” in v2. See note XIV above.
CLI “next” = acharon. From achar (to be behind, delay, be late, procrastinate, continue). This is end, last, coming behind, to loiter, later. It can also refer to the west.
CLII “generation” = dor. From dur (to move in a circle, which implies living somewhere or remaining there; it can also be the sense of piling or heaping up). This is a revolution of time, which is to say, an age or generation. It can also be a dwelling or one’s posterity.
CLIII “children” = ben. Same as “Israelites” in v1. See note VII above.
CLIV “rise up” = qum. To arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide. This is rising as in rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action. It can also be standing in a figurative sense.
CLV “after” = achar. Related to “next” in v22. See note CLI above.

as well as the foreignerCLVI who comesCLVII from a distantCLVIII country,CLIX

Notes on verse 22b

CLVI “foreigner” = nokri. From neker (strange; to act foreign or strange; to disguise; can also be misfortune or unexpected calamity); from nakar (to recognize, examine, take notice, show, scrutinize). This is foreign, alien, stranger, extraordinary, adulteress. It is strange in many different senses – foreign, not being one’s relative, different, wonderful, relating to adultery.
CLVII “comes” = bo. Same as “came” in v7. See note XLVI above.
CLVIII “distant” = rachoq. From rachaq (to widen, become distant, cast, or remove in a literal or figurative sense). This is distant or far, whether of space or of time.
CLIX “country” = erets. Same as “land” in v1. See note VIII above.

will see the devastationCLX of that land and the afflictionsCLXI with which the Lord has afflictedCLXII it— 23 all its soilCLXIII burned outCLXIV

Notes on verses 22c-23a

CLX “devastation” = makkah. Related to “defeated” in v7. From nakah (see note LVI above). This is a wound, injury, blow. Figuratively, it could be disaster, slaughter, or pestilence.
CLXI “afflictions” = tachalu. 5x in OT. From chala (to be sick). This is a sickness or pain. It can also refer to a beginning.
CLXII “afflicted” = chalah. Properly, this is to be worn; hence, being weak, sick, or afflicted. It can also mean to grieve or, positively, to flatter or entreat.
CLXIII “soil” = erets. Same as “land” in v1. See note VIII above.
CLXIV “burned out” = serephah. 13x in OT. From saraph (to burn or kindle). This is burning, fire, or cremation.

by sulfurCLXV and salt,CLXVI nothing planted,CLXVII nothing sprouting,CLXVIII

Notes on verse 23b

CLXV “sulfur” = gophrith. 7x in OT. From the same as gopher (a gopher tree or gopher wood – used for construction; perhaps the cypress; root may mean to house). This is cypress resin or brimstone. This could be understood as sulfur since both substances are similarly flammable. This is where the “gopher” in gopher wood comes from.
CLXVI “slat” = melach. Perhaps from malach (properly, to pulverize, temper together, dissipate; also to season or salt). This is powder; used for salt or salt pit.
CLXVII “planted” = zara. This is to sow or scatter seed, conceive or yield. It can also refer to a sower. Figuratively, this can refer to other forms of dissemination.
CLXVIII “sprouting” = tsamach. This is to sprout, grow, or spring up – literal or figurative.

unable to supportCLXIX anyCLXX vegetation,CLXXI like the destructionCLXXII of SodomCLXXIII

Notes on verse 23c

CLXIX “support” = alah. This is to go up, approach, ascend, be high, be a priority; to arise in a literal or figurative sense.
CLXX “any” = kol. Same as “all” in v2. See note XIII above.
CLXXI “vegetation” = eseb. Root may mean to be green or to glisten. This is grass or some other tender shoot.
CLXXII “destruction” = mahpekah. 6x in OT. From haphak (to turn, overturn, change, return, turn over, pervert). This is overflow, destruction.
CLXXIII “Sodom” = Sedom. Perhaps from sadam (to burn) OR from sadad (to plow a field) or shadad (to be violent) or from sadad (to join) or yasad (to assemble) + –m (their). This is Sodom or Sedom. It is a city near the Dead Sea. It may mean “scorch” or “burnt” as a reference to the volcanic area. It could also mean “wet fields, “demons,” “divisions,” “breasts, “or “their assembly.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Sodom.html

and Gomorrah,CLXXIV AdmahCLXXV and Zeboiim,CLXXVI

Notes on verse 23d

CLXXIV “Gomorrah” = Amorah. 19x in OT. From amar (to bind sheaves, heap; discipline as piling on blows) OR from am (people) + yarah (describes many small iterations combining to a bigger effect like many raindrops, lots of arrows, etc.). This is the city Gomorrah in the Jordan Valley. It may mean “people of fear,” “submersion,” “tyrannical dealings,” “people who shoot arrows,” “throes,” or “sheave.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Gomorrah.html
CLXXV “Admah” = Admah. 5x in OT. From adamah (ground, dirt, earth); from the same as adam (man, humankind); perhaps from ‘adom (to be red). This is the city Admah near the Dead Sea. It may mean “earthy” or “red ground.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Admah.html
CLXXVI “Zeboiim” = Tseboim. 5x in OT. From the same as tsebi (gazelle) OR from tsaba (to be a group). This is Zeboiim, a city near the Dead Sea. It may mean “collectives,” “beautiful ones,” or “gazelles.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Zeboiim.html

which the Lord destroyedCLXXVII in his fierceCLXXVIII anger— 24 they and indeed all the nations will wonder,CLXXIX ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land? What caused this great displayCLXXX of anger?’ 

Notes on verses 23e-24

CLXXVII “destroyed” = haphak. Related to “destruction” in v23. See note CLXXII above.
CLXXVIII “fierce” = chemah. From yacham (to be hot, mate; figuratively, to conceive). This is heat – figuratively it can be anger or fury. It can also refer to poison or venom as they can cause fever.
CLXXIX “wonder” = amar. Same as “said” in v2. See note XIV above.
CLXXX “display” = chori. 6x in OT. From charah (to be displeased, burn with anger, glow, become warn; figuratively a blaze of anger, zeal, or jealousy). This is burning, fierce, strong anger.

25 They will conclude,CLXXXI ‘It is because they abandonedCLXXXII the covenant of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, which he made with them when he broughtCLXXXIII them out of the land of Egypt. 26 They turnedCLXXXIV and served otherCLXXXV gods,

Notes on verses 25-26a

CLXXXI “conclude” = amar. Same as “said” in v2. See note XIV above.
CLXXXII “abandoned” = azab. To loosen, relinquish, permit, forsake, fail, leave destitute.
CLXXXIII “brought” = yatsa. Same as “came out” in v7. See note LIII above.
CLXXXIV “turned” = halak. Same as “led” in v5. See note XXXI above.
CLXXXV “other” = acher. Related to “next” and “after” in v22. From achar (see note CLI above). This is following, next, strange, other.

worshipingCLXXXVI them, gods whom they had not known and whom he had not allottedCLXXXVII to them; 27 so the anger of the Lord was kindledCLXXXVIII against that land, bringingCLXXXIX on it

Notes on verses 26b-27a

CLXXXVI “worshiping” = shachah. This is to bow down, make a humble entreaty, to do homage to royalty or to God.
CLXXXVII “allotted” = chalaq. This is to be smooth in a figurative sense. So, it can refer to the stones that were part of casting lots – hence, apportion, share, distribute. Figuratively, it can also mean to flatter.
CLXXXVIII “kindled” = charah. Related to “display” in v24. See note CLXXX above.
CLXXXIX “bringing” = bo. Same as “came” in v7. See note XLVI above.

everyCXC curseCXCI written in this book. 28 The Lord uprootedCXCII them from their landCXCIII in anger, fury,CXCIV

Notes on verses 27b-28a

CXC “every” = kol. Same as “all” in v2. See note XIII above.
CXCI “curse” = qelalah. From qalal (to be little, insignificant, swift; to bring down in esteem, create contempt, curse). This is cursing or vilification.
CXCII “uprooted” = nathash. 21x in OT – 13 in Jeremiah. It is to pull up or pluck out, destroy, or tear away.
CXCIII “land” = adamah. Related to “Admah” in v23. See note CLXXV above.
CXCIV “fury” = chemah. Same as “fierce” in v23. See note CLXXVIII above.

and great wrathCXCV and castCXCVI them into anotherCXCVII land,CXCVIII as is nowCXCIX the case.’ 

Notes on verse 28b

CXCV “wrath” = qetseph. From qatsaph (angry or provoked to wrath; a bursting into anger). This is indignation, rage, strife, foam, a splinter.
CXCVI “cast” = shalak. This is to throw, fling, or hurl. It can also be to throw away in a literal or figurative sense.
CXCVII “another” = acher. Same as “other” in v26. See note CLXXXV above.
CXCVIII “land” = erets. Same as “land” in v1. See note VIII above.
CXCIX “now” = yom + zeh. Literally, “this day.” Yom is the same as “day” in v4. See note XXV above.

29 The secret thingsCC belong to the Lord our God, but the revealed thingsCCI belong to us and to our childrenCCII forever,CCIII to observeCCIV all the words of this law.

Notes on verse 29

CC “secret things” = sathar. This is hide, conceal, or be absent. It is hiding because something is covered – used in a literal or figurative sense.
CCI “revealed things” = galah. This is to remove, bring, carry, lead, appear, advertise. It can mean to strip someone or something bare in a negative sense. Captives were typically stripped before they were sent into exile. Used figuratively, in a positive sense, this word means reveal, disclose, discover.
CCII “children” = ben. Same as “Israelites” in v1. See note VII above.
CCIII “forever” = ad + olam. Olam is a long scope of time whether in the past (antiquity, ancient time) or in the future (eternal, everlasting).
CCIV “observe” = asah. Same as “did” in v2. See note XVI above.


Image credit: “Old Testament Bible Story Graphics” by Jeff Jacobs of FreeBibleimages.

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