Exodus 12:21

Authorized King James Version

Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקְרָ֥א

H7121

called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

מֹשֶׁ֛ה

H4872

Then Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

זִקְנֵ֥י

H2205

for all the elders

old

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֑ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִֽשְׁכ֗וּ

H4900

unto them Draw out

to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)

וּקְח֨וּ

H3947

and take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#10

לָכֶ֥ם

#11

צֹ֛אן

H6629

you a lamb

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#12

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם

H4940

according to your families

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

#13

וְשַֽׁחֲט֥וּ

H7819

and kill

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

#14

הַפָּֽסַח׃

H6453

the passover

a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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