Exodus 1:22

Authorized King James Version

And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְצַ֣ו
charged
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#2
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
And Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#3
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
עַמּ֖וֹ
all his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
הַבֵּ֣ן
Every 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
#8
הַיִּלּ֗וֹד
that is born
born
#9
הַיְאֹ֙רָה֙
into the river
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
#10
תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔הוּ
ye shall cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#11
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
הַבַּ֖ת
and every daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#13
תְּחַיּֽוּן׃
ye shall save alive
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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