Exodus 1:20

Authorized King James Version

Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֥יטֶב
dealt well
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#2
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
Therefore God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#3
לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֑ת
with the midwives
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#4
וַיִּ֧רֶב
multiplied
to increase (in whatever respect)
#5
הָעָ֛ם
and the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
וַיַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ
mighty
to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones
#7
מְאֹֽד׃
and waxed very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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