Exodus 12:23

Authorized King James Version

For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָבַ֣ר
will pass through
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#2
יְהוָה֙
For the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
לִנְגֹּֽף׃
to smite
to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
מִצְרַיִם֒
the Egyptians
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#6
וְרָאָ֤ה
and when he seeth
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַדָּם֙
the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
הַמַּשְׁק֔וֹף
upon the lintel
a lintel
#11
וְעַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
שְׁתֵּ֣י
and on the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#13
הַמְּזוּזֹ֑ת
side posts
a door-post (as prominent)
#14
וּפָסַ֤ח
will pass over
to hop, i.e., (figuratively) skip over (or spare); by implication, to hesitate; also (literally) to limp, to dance
#15
יְהוָה֙
For the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
הַפֶּ֔תַח
the door
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
#18
וְלֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
יִתֵּן֙
and will not suffer
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#20
הַמַּשְׁחִ֔ית
the destroyer
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#21
לָבֹ֥א
to come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#22
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#23
בָּֽתֵּיכֶ֖ם
in unto your houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#24
לִנְגֹּֽף׃
to smite
to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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