Exodus 12:37

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּסְע֧וּ
journeyed
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#2
בְנֵֽי
And the 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
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
מֵֽרַעְמְסֵ֖ס
from Rameses
rameses or raamses, a place in egypt
#5
סֻכֹּ֑תָה
to Succoth
succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine
#6
כְּשֵׁשׁ
about six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#7
מֵא֨וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#8
אֶ֧לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#9
רַגְלִ֛י
on foot
a footman (soldier)
#10
הַגְּבָרִ֖ים
that were men
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
#11
לְבַ֥ד
beside
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#12
מִטָּֽף׃
children
a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 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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