Exodus 1:7

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְנֵ֣י
And 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
#2
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#3
פָּר֧וּ
were fruitful
to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)
#4
וַֽיִּשְׁרְצ֛וּ
and increased abundantly
to wriggle, i.e., (by implication) swarm or abound
#5
וַיִּרְבּ֥וּ
and multiplied
to increase (in whatever respect)
#6
וַיַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ
mighty
to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones
#7
מְאֹ֑ד
and waxed exceeding
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#8
מְאֹ֑ד
and waxed exceeding
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#9
וַתִּמָּלֵ֥א
was filled
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#10
הָאָ֖רֶץ
and the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
אֹתָֽם׃
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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