Exodus 10:3

Authorized King James Version

And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֨א
came in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
וְאַֽהֲרֹן֮
and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
פַּרְעֹה֒
unto Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#6
אָמַ֤ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
אֵלָ֗יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#9
אָמַ֤ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
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
#12
הָֽעִבְרִ֔ים
of the Hebrews
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
#13
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#14
מָתַ֣י
How long
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
#15
מֵאַ֔נְתָּ
wilt thou refuse
to refuse
#16
לֵֽעָנֹ֖ת
to humble
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
#17
מִפָּנָ֑י
thyself before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#18
שַׁלַּ֥ח
go
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#19
עַמִּ֖י
me let my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#20
וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי׃
that they may serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

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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