Exodus 12:2

Authorized King James Version

This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְחָדְשֵׁ֖י
This month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#2
הַזֶּ֛ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#3
לָכֶ֖ם
H0
#4
רֹ֣אשׁ
shall be unto you the beginning
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
לְחָדְשֵׁ֖י
This month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#6
רִאשׁ֥וֹן
it shall be the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#7
הוּא֙
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
#8
לָכֶ֔ם
H0
#9
לְחָדְשֵׁ֖י
This month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#10
הַשָּׁנָֽה׃
of the year
a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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