Exodus 12:34

Authorized King James Version

And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
took
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
הָעָ֛ם
And the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
בְּצֵק֖וֹ
their dough
dough (as swelling by fermentation)
#5
טֶ֣רֶם
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
#6
יֶחְמָ֑ץ
before it was leavened
to be pungent; i.e., in taste (sour, i.e., literally fermented, or figuratively, harsh), in color (dazzling)
#7
מִשְׁאֲרֹתָ֛ם
their kneadingtroughs
a kneading-trough (in which the dough rises)
#8
צְרֻרֹ֥ת
being bound up
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
#9
בְּשִׂמְלֹתָ֖ם
in their clothes
a dress, especially a mantle
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
שִׁכְמָֽם׃
upon their shoulders
the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of covenant community 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources