Exodus 1:12

Authorized King James Version

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכַֽאֲשֶׁר֙

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְעַנּ֣וּ

H6031

But the more they afflicted

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

אֹת֔וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְכֵ֣ן

H3651

them the more

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יִרְבֶּ֖ה

H7235

they multiplied

to increase (in whatever respect)

וְכֵ֣ן

H3651

them the more

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יִפְרֹ֑ץ

H6555

and grew

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

וַיָּקֻ֕צוּ

H6973

And they were grieved

to be (causatively, make) disgusted or anxious

מִפְּנֵ֖י

H6440

because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#10

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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

People

Moses