Exodus 12:40
Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.
Original Language Analysis
וּמוֹשַׁב֙
Now the sojourning
H4186
וּמוֹשַׁב֙
Now the sojourning
Strong's:
H4186
Word #:
1 of 11
a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָֽשְׁב֖וּ
who dwelt
H3427
יָֽשְׁב֖וּ
who dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Cross References
Genesis 15:13And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not their's, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;Acts 7:6And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.Acts 13:17The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
Historical Context
The 430 years likely dated from Jacob's entry into Egypt or from God's covenant with Abraham, depending on calculation methods. Various Jewish and Christian scholars interpret the starting point differently.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's precise fulfillment of the 430-year timeframe strengthen your confidence in unfulfilled prophecies?
- What does 'the selfsame day' teach about God's sovereignty over historical timing and His meticulous care?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The precise timeframe '430 years' fulfills God's prophecy to Abraham (Genesis 15:13 says '400 years,' which is rounded). The phrase 'the selfsame day' emphasizes God's perfect timing—not 429 or 431 years, but exactly as predicted. This exact fulfillment establishes God's reliability in all prophetic promises. Human calendars may vary, but divine timing is perfect.