Exodus 12:3

Authorized King James Version

Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דַּבְּר֗וּ
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
עֲדַ֤ת
ye unto all the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
בֶּֽעָשֹׂ֖ר
In the tenth
ten; by abbreviated form ten strings, and so a decachord
#8
לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ
day of this month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#9
הַזֶּ֑ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#10
וְיִקְח֣וּ
they shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#11
לָהֶ֗ם
H0
#12
אִ֛ישׁ
to them every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#13
שֶׂ֥ה
a lamb
a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat
#14
לַבָּֽיִת׃
according to the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#15
אָבֹ֖ת
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#16
שֶׂ֥ה
a lamb
a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat
#17
לַבָּֽיִת׃
according to the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources