Exodus 12:26

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֕ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
יֹאמְר֥וּ
shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
בְּנֵיכֶ֑ם
And it shall come to pass when your children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
מָ֛ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
הָֽעֲבֹדָ֥ה
unto you What mean ye by this service
work of any kind
#8
הַזֹּ֖את
this (often used adverb)
#9
לָכֶֽם׃
H0

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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