Exodus 12:4

Authorized King James Version

And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִמְעַ֣ט

H4591

too little

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

בֵּית֖וֹ

H1004

And if the household

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מִֽהְי֣וֹת

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַשֶּֽׂה׃

H7716

for the lamb

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

וְלָקַ֣ח

H3947

take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

ה֗וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וּשְׁכֵנ֛וֹ

H7934

let him and his neighbour

a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen

הַקָּרֹ֥ב

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

בֵּית֖וֹ

H1004

And if the household

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#12

בְּמִכְסַ֣ת

H4373

it according to the number

an enumeration; by implication, a valuation

#13

נְפָשֹׁ֑ת

H5315

of the souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#14

אִ֚ישׁ

H376

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)

#15

לְפִ֣י

H6310

according

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#16

אָכְל֔וֹ

H400

to his eating

food

#17

תָּכֹ֖סּוּ

H3699

shall make your count

to estimate

#18

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

הַשֶּֽׂה׃

H7716

for the lamb

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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