Exodus 12:16

Authorized King James Version

And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבַיּוֹם֙
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
#2
הָֽרִאשׁוֹן֙
And in the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#3
מִקְרָא
convocation
something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal
#4
קֹ֖דֶשׁ
there shall be an holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#5
וּבַיּוֹם֙
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
#6
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י
and in the seventh
seventh
#7
מִקְרָא
convocation
something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal
#8
קֹ֖דֶשׁ
there shall be an holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#9
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
לָכֶ֑ם
H0
#11
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
מְלָאכָה֙
to you no manner of work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#13
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יֵֽעָשֶׂ֥ה
shall be done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#15
בָהֶ֔ם
H0
#16
אַ֚ךְ
in them save
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#17
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
יֵֽאָכֵ֣ל
must eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#19
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#20
נֶ֔פֶשׁ
that which every man
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#21
ה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#22
לְבַדּ֖וֹ
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#23
יֵֽעָשֶׂ֥ה
shall be done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#24
לָכֶֽם׃
H0

Analysis

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

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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