Exodus 1:19

Authorized King James Version

And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּאמַ֤רְןָ
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
וְיָלָֽדוּ׃
And the midwives
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
unto Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#5
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
לֹ֧א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
כַנָּשִׁ֛ים
women
a woman
#8
הַמִּצְרִיֹּ֖ת
are not as the Egyptian women
a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim
#9
הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת
Because the Hebrew
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
#10
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
חָי֣וֹת
for they are lively
vigorous
#12
הֵ֔נָּה
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
#13
בְּטֶ֨רֶם
ere
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
#14
תָּב֧וֹא
come in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#15
אֲלֵהֶ֛ן
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
וְיָלָֽדוּ׃
And the midwives
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#17
וְיָלָֽדוּ׃
And the midwives
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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