Deuteronomy 26:6

Authorized King James Version

And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּרֵ֧עוּ
evil entreated
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
#2
אֹתָ֛נוּ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#3
הַמִּצְרִ֖ים
And the Egyptians
a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim
#4
וַיְעַנּ֑וּנוּ
us and afflicted
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
#5
וַיִּתְּנ֥וּ
us and laid
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
עָלֵ֖ינוּ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
עֲבֹדָ֥ה
bondage
work of any kind
#8
קָשָֽׁה׃
upon us hard
severe (in various applications)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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