Exodus 12:14

Authorized King James Version

And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָה֩
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הַיּ֨וֹם
And this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
הַזֶּ֤ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
לָכֶם֙
H0
#5
לְזִכָּר֔וֹן
shall be unto you for a memorial
a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)
#6
תְּחָגֻּֽהוּ׃
and ye shall keep
properly, to move in a circle, i.e., (specifically) to march in a sacred procession, to observe a festival; by implication, to be giddy
#7
אֹת֖וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
חַ֣ג
it a feast
a festival, or a victim therefor
#9
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
to the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
throughout your generations
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#11
חֻקַּ֥ת
by an ordinance
a statute
#12
עוֹלָ֖ם
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#13
תְּחָגֻּֽהוּ׃
and ye shall keep
properly, to move in a circle, i.e., (specifically) to march in a sacred procession, to observe a festival; by implication, to be giddy

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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