Exodus 12:17

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֞ם
H8104
And ye shall observe
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַמַּצּוֹת֒
H4682
the feast of unleavened bread
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
#4
כִּ֗י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
בְּעֶ֙צֶם֙
H6106
for in this selfsame
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#6
הַיּ֥וֹם
H3117
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
#7
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#8
הוֹצֵ֥אתִי
H3318
have I brought
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#9
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
צִבְאֽוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם
H6635
your armies
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#11
מֵאֶ֣רֶץ
H776
out of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
מִצְרָ֑יִם
H4714
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#13
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֞ם
H8104
And ye shall observe
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#14
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
הַיּ֥וֹם
H3117
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
#16
הַזֶּ֛ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#17
לְדֹרֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם
H1755
in your generations
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#18
חֻקַּ֥ת
H2708
by an ordinance
a statute
#19
עוֹלָֽם׃
H5769
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources