Exodus 12:20

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
מַחְמֶ֖צֶת
ferment, (figuratively) extortion
#3
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
תֹּֽאכְל֖וּ
Ye shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#5
בְּכֹל֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
מוֹשְׁבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
in all your habitations
a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population
#7
תֹּֽאכְל֖וּ
Ye shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#8
מַצּֽוֹת׃
unleavened bread
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

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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