Deuteronomy 14

Deuteronomy 14

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“You are childrenI of the LordII your God.III You must not lacerateIV yourselves

Notes on verse 1a

I “children” = ben. From banah (to build or obtain children). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense.
II “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.
III “God” = Elohim.
IV “lacerate” = gadad. 8x in OT. This is to cut, gather, assemble, crowd. Also, it is to gash as pushing in.

or shaveV your forelocksVI for the dead.VII 

Notes on verse 1b

V “shave” = sim + qorchah. Sim is to put or place in a literal or figurative sense. It can be appoint, care, change, make, and may other things. Qorchah is 11x in OT. From qarach (to shave bald, perhaps frozen). This is baldness – from shaving or plucking. It could also be a bald spot
VI “forelocks” = bayin + ayin. Bayin is from bin (to discern, consider, attend to; distinguishing things in one’s mind or, more generally, to understand). This is among, between, interval. Ayin is eye in a literal or figurative sense so eye, appearance, favor, or a fountain (the eye of the landscape).
VII “dead” = mut. This is to die in a literal or figurative sense. It can also refer to being a dead body.

For you are a peopleVIII holyIX to the Lord your God; it is you the Lord has chosenX out of allXI the peoples

Notes on verse 2a

VIII “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.
IX “holy” = qadosh. From qodesh (set apart and so sacred; God is different from us and so God is holy/set apart; things we dedicate to God’s service are set apart for God and so they, too, are holy); related to qadash (set apart, consecrated, hallowed, sanctified; something or someone set apart for a holy purpose or use – ceremonially or morally clean). This is sacred or holy in a ritual or moral sense. As a noun, it refers to a holy one (like a saint or angel), a holy place (the sanctuary), or God (the Holy One).
X “chosen” = bachar. This is to choose, appoint, try, excellent.
XI “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.

onXII earthXIII to beXIV his people, his treasured possession.XV

Notes on verse 2b

XII “on” = 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.
XIII “earth” = adamah. From the same as adam (man, humankind); perhaps from ‘adom (to be red). This is ground, earth, soil as red, or land.
XIV “be” = hayah. Related to “Lord” in v1. See note II above.
XV “treasured possession” = segullah. 8x in OT. Root may mean to shut up – as treasure or wealth that is kept. Could be property, jewel, or any possession.

“You shall not eatXVI anyXVII abhorrent thing.XVIII These are the animalsXIX you may eat: the ox,XX

Notes on verses 3-4a

XVI “eat” = akal. This is to eat, devour, burn up, or otherwise consume. It can be eating in a literal or figurative sense.
XVII “any” = kol. Same as “all” in v2. See note XI above.
XVIII “abhorrent thing” = toebah. Perhaps from ta’ab (to abhor or morally detest). This is something that instills one with moral contempt or disgust. It can mean abhorrence and is often in reference to idolatry or idols.
XIX “animals” = behemah. This is animal or cattle. It is often used of large quadrupeds.
XX “ox” = shor. Perhaps from shur (to travel, turn, journey; travelling like a prostitute or a merchant). This is bull, ox, head of cattle, cow.

the sheep,XXI the goat,XXII the deer,XXIII the gazelle,XXIV

Notes on verses 4b-5a

XXI “sheep” = seh + keseb. Seh is perhaps from sha’ah (to make a loud noise or crash, devastate, rush). This is a lamb, sheep, or goat – a part of a flock. Keseb is 13x in OT.  From kebes (root may mean to dominate; a young male sheep at the age of butting other sheep). This is apparently the same word as kebes, but with the consonants mixed up. It is a young lamb or sheep.
XXII “goat” = seh + ez. Seh is the same as “sheep” in v4. See note XXI above. Ez is perhaps from azaz (to be strong in a literal or figurative sense, overcome, be impudent). This is a female goat, but can refer to male goats when plural.
XXIII “deer” = ayyal. 11x in OT. From the same as ulam (porch, hall); from the same as ul (mighty, strength, body, belly; root may mean to twist and that implies strength and power); from alam (to bind or tie fast; to be silent or speechless, whether voluntary or involuntary) or from ayil (strength; things that are strong or powerful: political chiefs, rams, posts, trees, oaks). This is deer, hart. It can symbolize leaping, looking for pasture or sustenance. It can also be used to refer to princes.
XXIV “gazelle” = tsbiy. From tsabah (to swell, amass like an army). This is beauty, honor, glorious, pleasant. It could refer to a decoration that is silver or gold. It can refer to a gazelle as something that is beautiful or splendor is being readily noticed.

the roebuck,XXV the wild goat,XXVI the ibex,XXVII the antelope,XXVIII and the mountain sheep.XXIX 

Notes on verse 5b

XXV “roebuck” = yachmur. 2x in OT. From chamar (to be red, blush) OR from chamar (to boil up, ferment, be red befoul, trouble, daub). This is a fallow deer or roebuck.
XXVI “wild goat” = aqqo. 1x in OT. Perhaps from anaq (to cry out or groan). This is a wild goat or ibex.
XXVII “ibex” = dishon. 1x in OT. From dush (to trample, break, thresh). This is an ibex, antelope, or pygarg.
XXVIII “antelope” = teo. 2x in NT. From taah (to draw a line, designate). This is antelope or wild bull ox.
XXIX “mountain sheep” = zemer. 1x in OT. Perhaps from zamar (making music; used specially of music to worship God; music with singing, singing praise, singing psalms) OR zamar (to trim or prune). This is a mountain sheep, goat, or gazelle.

Any animal that dividesXXX the hoofXXXI and has the hoof cleftXXXII in twoXXXIII and chewsXXXIV the cud,XXXV among the animals, you may eat. 

Notes on verse 6

XXX “divides” = paras. 14x in OT. To break in two, divide, to have hoofs (as divided feet). This is breaking in pieces, but it is generally not referring to violence. So, this would be to split, distribute, or share. This is the root verb that “Pharisee” comes from since they were separated or separatists to pursue lives of purity.
XXXI “hoof” = parsah. Related to “divides” in v6. From paras (see note XXX above). This is a hoof, claw, or split hoof.
XXXII “cleft” = shasa. 9x in OT. This is to split, tear, persuade, or upbraid.
XXXIII “in two” = shesa + shenayim. Shesa is related to “cleft” in v6. 4x in OT. From shasa (see note XXXII above). This is cleft or hoof. Shenayim is from sheni (double, again, another, second); from shanah (to fold, repeat, double, alter, or disguise). This is two, both, second, couple.
XXXIV “chews” = alah. This is to go up, approach, ascend, be high, be a priority; to arise in a literal or figurative sense.
XXXV “cud” = gerah. 11x in OT. From garar (to drag out or dray away). This is cud as something that is dragged up past the throat.

YetXXXVI of those that chew the cud or have the hoof cleftXXXVII you shall not eat these: the camel,XXXVIII the hare,XXXIX

Notes on verse 7a

XXXVI “yet” = ak. Related to aken (surely, truly, nevertheless); from kun (properly, in a perpendicular position; literally, to establish, fix, fasten, prepare; figuratively, it is certainty, to be firm, faithfulness, render sure or prosperous). This is a positive statement – surely, also, certainly, alone, only.
XXXVII “cleft” = parasshasa. Paras is the same as “divides” in v6. See note XXX above. Shasa is the same as “cleft” in v6. See note XXXII above.
XXXVIII “camel” = gamal. From gamal (how one deals with someone whether positively or negatively – so to reward, requite; to wean or the work that goes into something ripening). This is a camel as an animal of labor or one that bears burdens. The English word “camel” is from a Semitic source, perhaps Hebrew or others.
XXXIX “hare” = arnebeth. 2x in OT. This is a hare or rabbit.

and the rock badgerXL because they chew the cud but do not divide the hoof; they are uncleanXLI for you. And the pig,XLII because it divides the hoof but does not chew the cud, is unclean for you. You shall not eat their meat,XLIII

Notes on verses 7b-8a

XL “rock badger” = shaphan. From saphan (treasure); perhaps from the same as saphan (to cover, reserve, hide, roof, treasure). This is a coney or hyrax – an animals that hides.
XLI “unclean” = tame. From tame (to defile, be unclean, pollute in a ritual or ethical sense). This is unclean, ill, or ritually impure.
XLII “pig” = chazir. 7x in OT. May come from a word that means to enclose. This is a pig or boar.
XLIII “meat” = basar. From basar (being a messenger, publish, carry preach; properly, this is being fresh, rosy or cheerful as one bearing news). This is flesh, the body, fat, skin, self, nakedness, humankind, or kin. It can also refer to private parts.

and you shall not touchXLIV their carcasses.XLV

“Of all that live in waterXLVI you may eat these: whateverXLVII has finsXLVIII and scalesXLIX you may eat. 10 And whatever does notL have fins and scales you shall not eat; it is unclean for you.

Notes on verses 8b-10

XLIV “touch” = naga. This is touch, reach, arrive, come near, strike. This is touching for any reason including sexual or violent.
XLV “carcasses” = nebelah. From nabel (to fall away, faint, wither, languish, sink; figuratively, being senseless, foolish, or wicked; to despise, disgrace, or fall to nothing, to be seen with contempt). This is a body, whether human or animal. It can also refer to an idol.
XLVI “water” = mayim. This is water, waters, or waterway in a general sense. Figuratively, it can also mean juice, urine, or semen.
XLVII “whatever” = kol. Same as “all” in v2. See note XI above.
XLVIII “fins” = senappir. 5x in OT – all in Leviticus 11 & Deuteronomy 14. This is a fin or fins collectively.
XLIX “scales” = qasqeseth. 8x in OT. It may come from a word that means to come off in scales like bark comes off a tree. It can refer to fish scales or mail armor.
L “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.

11 “You may eat any cleanLI birds.LII 12 But these are the ones that you shall not eat: the eagle,LIII the vulture,LIV the osprey,LV 

Notes on verses 11-12

LI “clean” = tahor. From taher (bright, which implies being pure or clean; to purge, cleanse, or purify; clean in a ritual sense or a moral one (i.e. moral or holy)). This is clean or pure in a literal, ritual, or ethical sense.
LII “birds” = tisppor. From tsaphar (to skip about, maybe to depart). This is a little bird like a sparrow – a little bird as one that hops about.
LIII “eagle” = nesher. This is an eagle or vulture – some kind of large bird of prey. Its root may mean lacerate.
LIV “vulture” = peres. Related to “divides” and “hoof” in v6. 2x in OT. From paras (see note XXX above). This is a claw – a vulture or ossifrage.
LV “osprey” = ozniyyah. Related to “goat’ in v4. 2x in OT. Perhaps from oz (strength in the sense of force, majesty, praise, material and physical strength, the abstract notion of security; also social or political power); {from azaz (see note XXII above). This is some kind of bird of prey. It can be a vulture or osprey.

13 the buzzard,LVI the kiteLVII, LVIII of any kind; 14 everyLIX ravenLX of any kind; 

Notes on verses 13-14

LVI “buzzard” = raah. 1x in OT. Perhaps for daah (kite, vulture); {from daah (to fly quickly, swoop down, dart)} OR from raah (to see, show, stare, think, view; to see in a literal or figurative sense), This is a bird of prey – maybe a vulture.
LVII “kite” = ayah. 4x in OT. Perhaps from iy (alas, woe); from oy (alas, woe, oh!); from avah (to desire, crave, wish for, lust after). This is a hawk or falcon.
LVIII {untranslated} = dayyah. Related to “buzzard” in v13. 2x in OT. From daah (see note LVI above). This is a hawk, vulture, or falcon.
LIX “every” = kol. Same as “all” in v2. See note XI above.
LX “raven” = oreb. 10x in OT. Perhaps from arab (to grow dark, become gloomy); from ereb (evening, night, twilight) or from arab (to bargain, barter, give or take in pledge; to braid or intermingle). This is a raven.

15 theLXI ostrich,LXII the nighthawk,LXIII the sea gull,LXIV the hawkLXV of any kind; 

Notes on verse 15

LXI {untranslated} = bat. Related to “children” in v1. From ben (see note I above). This is daughter in a literal or figurative sense.
LXII “ostrich” = yaanah. 8x in OT– 4x as figures of wilderness or desolation, 2x to say they are not clean for eating, and 2x as part of God’s creation that honors God and laments destruction. Perhaps from anah (to testify, sing, respond). This is greed, ostrich, or owl.
LXIII “nighthawk” = tachmas. 2x in OT. From chamas (to violate, do violence, to wrong; implies mistreatment). This is some kind of violent bird. It could be an ostrich, owl, or night hawk. It might also mean sickness.
LXIV “sea gull” = shachaph. 2x in OT. May come from a word that means to peel or make thin. It is a sea gull or cuckoo.
LXV “hawk” = nets. 4x in OT. From natsats (to sparkle, have a bright color). This is a blossom or flower. It could also refer to a hawk, which seems to gleam with its great speed.

16 the little owlLXVI and the great owl,LXVII the water henLXVIII 17 and the desert owl,LXIX the carrion vultureLXX and the cormorant,LXXI 

Notes on verses 16-17

LXVI “little owl” = kos. This is a cup or it could refer to an owl since theirs eyes look similar to cups.
LXVII “great owl” = yanshuph. 3x in OT. From nashaph (to blow like a breeze of fresh wind). This is a great owl or a heron.
LXVIII “water hen” = tinshemeth. 3x in OT. From nasham (to blow away, pant, gasp). This is an owl or chameleon. It is something that breathes hard. It might also be a tree toad, mole swan, or water hen.
LXIX “desert owl” = qaath. 5x in OT. Perhaps from qow’ (to vomit up or out). This is owl, pelican, or cormorant.
LXX “carrion vulture” = racham. 2x in OT. Perhaps from racham (to love, have compassion, have mercy); from racham (compassion, tender love, womb, compassion; the womb as that which cherishes the fetus). This is a carrion vulture or gier-eagle.
LXXI “cormorant” = shalak. 2x in OT. From shalak (to throw, fling, or hurl; to throw away in a literal or figurative sense). This is some kind of bird of prey – perhaps a cormorant or a pelican.

18 the stork,LXXII the heronLXXIII of any kind, the hoopoe,LXXIV and the bat.LXXV 

Notes on verse 18

LXXII “stork” = chasidah. 6x in OT. From chasid (faithful, kind, pious, merciful, or gracious; godly or pious people); from chasad (being good, kind, merciful; may mean bowing one’s neck as is done in the presence of an equal for courtesy’s sake; so, if one in a superior position is treating you like an equal, that is what is captured here). This is a stork or a feather.
LXXIII “heron” = anaphah. 2x in OT. From anaph (to be angry; properly, breathing hard as a signifier of being enraged). This is heron or parrot.
LXXIV “hoopoe” = dukiphath. 2x in OT. From the same as duk (to pound or beat). This is hoopoe, lapwing, or grouse.
LXXV “bat” = atalleph. 3x in OT. This is a bat.

19 And all wingedLXXVI insectsLXXVII are unclean for you; they shall not be eaten. 20 You may eat any clean winged creature.LXXVIII

21 “You shall not eat anythingLXXIX that diesLXXX of itself;

Notes on verses 19-21a

LXXVI “winged” = oph. From uph (to fly, flee, shine, be weary, be faint). This is a flying creature.
LXXVII “insects” = sherets. 15x in OT. From sharats (to swarm, creep, abound, breed a lot, wriggle). This is things that teem or swarm – insects, moving creatures.
LXXVIII “winged creature” = oph. Same as “winged” in v19. See note LXXVI above.
LXXIX “anything” = kol. Same as “all” in v2. See note XI above.
LXXX “dies” = nebelah. Same as “carcasses” in v8. See note XLV above.

you may giveLXXXI it to aliensLXXXII residing in your townsLXXXIII for them to eat, or you may sellLXXXIV it to a foreigner.LXXXV For you are a people holy to the Lord your God.

Notes on verse 21b

LXXXI “give” = natan. This is to give, put, set, offer. It is to give literally or figuratively.
LXXXII “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.
LXXXIII “towns” = shaar. May be related to sha’ar (to calculate or reckon; may come from a root that means to open up or split). This is a gate, door, or other opening like a port.
LXXXIV “sell” = makar. This is to sell – could be commerce/trade, a daughter to be married, someone into slavery. Figuratively, it can mean to surrender.
LXXXV “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.

“You shall not boilLXXXVI a kidLXXXVII in its mother’sLXXXVIII milk.LXXXIX

Notes on verse 21c

LXXXVI “boil” = bashal. This is to boil up, roast, or bake. It can also mean ripen, produce, or seethe.
LXXXVII “kid” = gedi. 16x in OT. From the same as gadah (a bank or border of a river or stream). This is a young goat.
LXXXVIII “mother’s” = em. This is a mother as binding a family together or a breeding female animal. It could be mother in a literal or figurative sense.
LXXXIX “milk” = chalab. Perhaps from the same as cheleb (fat, finest, marrow; fat in a literal or figurative sense; the richest or best part). This is milk or cheese or suckling.

22 “Set apart a titheXC of all the yieldXCI of your seedXCII that is brought inXCIII yearlyXCIV from the field.XCV 

Notes on verse 22

XC “set apart a tithe” = asar + asar. 9x in OT. From eser (ten or -teen). This is to tithe, to give or receive a tenth. The word is repeated twice – the first time as an Infinitive Absolute. The Infinitive Absolute serves to emphasize the sentiment of the word. It is rather like Foghorn Leghorn’s speech pattern, “I said, I said.”
XCI “yield” = tebuah. From bo (to come in, go in, enter). This is produce, increase or gain – can be literal or figurative.
XCII “seed” = zera. From zara (to sow or scatter seed; conceive or yield). This is seed or sowing. It can, thus, mean a fruit, plant, sowing time, child, offspring, or posterity.
XCIII “brought in” = yatsa. This is to go or come out, bring forth, appear. It is to go out in a literal or figurative sense.
XCIV “yearly” = shanah + shanah. From shana (to change, alter). This is a year, age, old. It can also mean yearly.
XCV “field” = sadeh. This is literally field, ground, soil, or land. It can be used to mean wild like a wild animal.

23 In the presenceXCVI of the LordXCVII your God, in the placeXCVIII

Notes on verse 23a

XCVI “presence” = paneh. Same as “on” in v2. See note XII above.
XCVII “Lord” = YHVH. Related to “Lord” in v1 & “be” in v2. From the same as YHVH (see note II above). This is a secondary spelling of the Lord, the name of the God of Israel. It has the same meaning.
XCVIII “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.

that he will choose as a dwellingXCIX for his name,C you shall eat the titheCI of your grain,CII

Notes on verse 23b

XCIX “dwelling” = shakan. This is to settle down in the sense of residing somewhere or staying there permanently. It can mean abide or continue. “Mishkan,” taken from this verb, is the Hebrew word for the Tabernacle (as a place where God abided).
C “name” = shem. Related to “shave” in v1. May be from sim (see note V above). 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.
CI “tithe” = maaser. Related to “set apart a tithe” in v22. From the same as eser (see note XC above). This is a tenth or a tithe.
CII “grain” = dagan. Perhaps from dagah (to multiply, move quickly, breed greatly, grow). This is grain or other cereal.

your wine,CIII and your oil,CIV as well as the firstlingsCV

Notes on verse 23c

CIII “wine” = tirosh. From yarash (inheriting or dispossessing; refers to occupying or colonizing – taking territory by driving out the previous inhabitants and living there instead of them; by implication, to seize or rob, to expel, ruin, or impoverish).  This is new wine or sweet wine – wine that is freshly squeezed. Sometimes used for fermented wine.
CIV “oil” = yitshar. From tsahar (to press oil or glisten). This is fresh oil, anointed. It is oil as that which is burned to make light; used figuratively to talk about anointing.
CV “firstlings” = bekorah. 14x in OT. From bakar (to bear fruit, be firstborn, firstling, that which opens the womb, give the birthright to); related to bikkurim (first-fruits); related to bekor (firstborn). This is the rights granted to the firstborn.

of your herdCVI and flock,CVII so that you may learnCVIII to fearCIX the LordCX your God always.CXI 

Notes on verse 23d

CVI “herd” = baqar. From baqar (to plow, break forth; figuratively, to inquire, inspect, consider). This is cattle – an animal used for plowing.
CVII “flock” = tson. This is a flock of sheep and goats.
CVIII “learn” = lamad. Properly, this refers to goading (using a pointed stick to guide or prod one’s flock). By implication, it means teaching or instructing.
CIX “fear” = yare. This is to fear, be afraid, dreadful. It can also refer to fearful reverence – to fear in a moral sense is to say to revere, respect.
CX “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v23. See note XCVII above.
CXI “always” = kol + yom. Literally, “all of the days.” Kol is the same as “all” in v2. See note XI above. Yom is from a root that 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.

24 But if, when the LordCXII your God has blessedCXIII you, the distanceCXIV is so greatCXV

Notes on verse 24a

CXII “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note II above.
CXIII “blessed” = 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.
CXIV “distance” = derek. From darak (to tread, march, to walk. Can also mean affixing a string to a box since one needs to step on it to bend it in the process; so also an archer). This is a road as a thing that is walked on. Can be used figuratively for the path that one’s life takes or how one chooses to live one’s life.
CXV “is so great” = rabah. This is increasing in any aspect whether quantity, authority, size, quality, greatness, etc.

that you are unableCXVI to transportCXVII it, because the place where the LordCXVIII your God will choose to setCXIX his name is too farCXX away from you, 

Notes on verse 24b

CXVI “are unable” = lo + yakol. Yakol is to be able, endure, overcome, prevail.
CXVII “transport” = nasa. This is to lift in a broad sense, literally and figuratively. So it could be to carry, take, or arise. It could also be bring forth, advance, accept.
CXVIII “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note II above.
CXIX “set” = sim. Same as “shave” in v1. See note V above.
CXX “is too far” = rachaq. This is to widen, become distant, cast, or remove. It can be in a literal or figurative sense.

25 then you may turnCXXI it into money.CXXII With the money secureCXXIII in hand,CXXIV goCXXV to the place that the LordCXXVI your God will choose; 

Notes on verse 25

CXXI “turn” = natan. Same as “give” in v21. See note LXXXI above.
CXXII “money” = keseph. From kasaph (to long for, be greedy; to become pale). This is silver or money.
CXXIII “secure” = tsarar. This is to bind, restrict, narrow, be cramped, an adversary.
CXXIV “hand” = yad. This is hand, ability, power. Hand in a literal sense, but also what one can do or the means by which one does it.
CXXV “go” = 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.
CXXVI “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note II above.

26 spendCXXVII the money for whatever youCXXVIII wish:CXXIX oxen,CXXX sheep,CXXXI wine,CXXXII

Notes on verse 26a

CXXVII “spend” = natan. Same as “give” in v21. See note LXXXI above.
CXXVIII “you” = nephesh. Related to naphash (to refresh or be refreshed). This is soul, self, person, emotion. It is a breathing creature. Can also refer to appetites and desires.
CXXIX “wish” = avah. Related to “kite” in v13. See note LVII above.
CXXX “oxen” = baqar. Same as “herd” in v23. See note CVI above.
CXXXI “sheep” = tson. Same as “flock” in v23. See note CVII above.
CXXXII “wine” = yayin. Root may mean to effervesce, referring to the fermentation process. This is wine, grape, or banquet. It can imply intoxication.

strong drink,CXXXIII or whatever youCXXXIV desire.CXXXV And you shall eat there in the presence of the LordCXXXVI your God, you and your householdCXXXVII rejoicingCXXXVIII together. 

Notes on verse 26b

CXXXIII “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.
CXXXIV “you” = nephesh. Same as “you” in v26. See note CXXVIII above.
CXXXV “desire” = shaal. This is to ask, inquire, beg, borrow, desire, request. It can also mean to demand.
CXXXVI “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note II above.
CXXXVII “household” = bayit. Related to “children” in v1 & {untranslated} in v15. Probably from banah (see note I above). This is house, court, family, palace, temple.
CXXXVIII “rejoicing” = samach. This is to rejoice or be glad. Properly, it is to brighten up in a literal or figurative sense.

27 As for the LevitesCXXXIX resident in your towns, do not neglectCXL them, because they have noCXLI allotmentCXLII or inheritanceCXLIII with you.

Notes on verse 27

CXXXIX “Levites” = Leviyyi. From Levi (Levi; perhaps meaning “attached”; Jacob’s son, his tribe, and descendants); perhaps from lavah (to join, twine, unite, remain, borrow, lend). This is Levite or levitical.
CXL “neglect” = azab. To loosen, relinquish, permit, forsake, fail, leave destitute.
CXLI “no” = ayin. Same as “not” in v10. See note L above.
CXLII “allotment” = cheleq. From chalaq (to be smooth in a figurative sense; can refer to the stones that were part of casting lots – hence, apportion, share, distribute; figuratively, it can also mean to flatter). This is a division, lot, inheritance, legacy, or portion. It can also refer to a smooth tongue.
CXLIII “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.

28 “EveryCXLIV thirdCXLV year you shall bring outCXLVI the fullCXLVII titheCXLVIII of your produceCXLIX for that year and storeCL it within your towns; 

Notes on verse 28

CXLIV “every” = qatseh. From qatsah (to cut off, cut short; figuratively, to destroy). This is end, brink, border, edge, frontier. It can refer to that which is within set boundaries.
CXLV “third” = shalosh. This is three, fork, three times.
CXLVI “bring out” = yatsa. Same as “brought in” in v22. See note XCIII above.
CXLVII “full” = kol. Same as “all” in v2. See note XI above.
CXLVIII “tithe” = maaser. Same as “tithe” in v23. See note CI above.
CXLIX “produce” = tebuah. Same as “yield” in v22. See note XCI above.
CL “store” = yanach. Perhaps from the same as nuach (to rest, calm, camp, free, place, remain, satisfy, settle, station, or wait; implies settling down in a literal or figurative sense). This is to lay down, let alone, pacify, cast down, or deposit. It can also mean to allow something or someone to stay.

29 the Levites, because they have noCLI allotment or inheritance with you, as well as the resident aliens,CLII the orphans,CLIII and the widowsCLIV in your towns, may comeCLV

Notes on verse 29a

CLI “no” = ayin. Same as “not” in v10. See note L above.
CLII “resident aliens” = ger. Same as “aliens” in v21. See note LXXXII above.
CLIII “orphans” = yathom. This is a child without a father or more generally a person who is bereaved.
CLIV “widows” = almanah. Related to alman (widowed); from alam (to be silent, bound). This is a widow or a house that is desolate.
CLV “come” = bo. Related to “yield” in v22. See note XCI above.

and eat their fillCLVI so that the LordCLVII your God may bless you in all the workCLVIII, CLIX that you undertake.CLX

Notes on verse 29b

CLVI “fill” = saba. To be satisfied or full in a literal or figurative sense. Also, to have plenty of.
CLVII “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note II above.
CLVIII “work” = maaseh. From asah (to do, make, accomplish, become). This is a work – any action whether positive or negative. It can also be a transaction, construction, activity, property, or something that is produced.
CLIX {untranslated} = yad. Same as “hand” in v25. See note CXXIV above.
CLX “undertake” = asah. Related to “work” in v29. See note CLVIII above.


Image credit: “Portrait of two Addax (Addax nasomaculatus), Negev desert – © Cyril Ruoso / Biosphoto.” Shared by MarionCharbonnier, 2018.

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