Exodus 12:33

Authorized King James Version

And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֶּֽחֱזַ֤ק
were urgent
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#2
מִצְרַ֙יִם֙
And the Egyptians
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
הָעָ֔ם
upon the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
לְמַהֵ֖ר
in haste
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
#6
לְשַׁלְּחָ֣ם
that they might send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#7
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#8
הָאָ֑רֶץ
them out of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
אָֽמְר֖וּ
for they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
כֻּלָּ֥נוּ
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
מֵתִֽים׃
We be all dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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