Deuteronomy 6:21

Authorized King James Version

Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣
Then thou shalt say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לְבִנְךָ֔
unto thy son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
עֲבָדִ֛ים
bondmen
a servant
#4
הָיִ֥ינוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
לְפַרְעֹ֖ה
We were Pharaoh's
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#6
מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם
in Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#7
וַיֹּֽצִיאֵ֧נוּ
brought us out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#8
יְהוָ֛ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם
in Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#10
בְּיָ֥ד
hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#11
חֲזָקָֽה׃
with a mighty
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

Analysis

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

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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