Exodus 11:5

Authorized King James Version

And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמֵ֣ת
H4191
shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#2
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
בְּכ֥וֹר
H1060
And all the firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#4
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
H776
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
מִצְרַיִם֒
H4714
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#6
בְּכ֥וֹר
H1060
And all the firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#7
פַּרְעֹה֙
H6547
of Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#8
הַיֹּשֵׁ֣ב
H3427
that sitteth
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#9
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
כִּסְא֔וֹ
H3678
upon his throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#11
עַ֚ד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#12
בְּכ֥וֹר
H1060
And all the firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#13
הַשִּׁפְחָ֔ה
H8198
of the maidservant
a female slave (as a member of the household)
#14
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
אַחַ֣ר
H310
that is behind
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#16
הָֽרֵחָ֑יִם
H7347
the mill
a mill-stone
#17
וְכֹ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
בְּכ֥וֹר
H1060
And all the firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#19
בְּהֵמָֽה׃
H929
of beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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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