Exodus 1:10

Authorized King James Version

Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָ֥בָה
Come on
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
#2
נִֽתְחַכְּמָ֖ה
let us deal wisely
to be wise (in mind, word or act)
#3
ל֑וֹ
H0
#4
פֶּן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#5
יִרְבֶּ֗ה
with them lest they multiply
to increase (in whatever respect)
#6
וְהָיָ֞ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
תִקְרֶ֤אנָה
and it come to pass that when there falleth out
to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner
#9
מִלְחָמָה֙
any war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#10
וְנוֹסַ֤ף
join
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#11
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#12
הוּא֙
they
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
שֹׂ֣נְאֵ֔ינוּ
also unto our enemies
to hate (personally)
#15
וְנִלְחַם
and fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#16
בָּ֖נוּ
H0
#17
וְעָלָ֥ה
against us and so get them up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#18
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#19
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
out of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Exodus's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) 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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources