Exodus 12:44

Authorized King James Version

But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֶ֥בֶד

H5650

servant

a servant

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

But every man's

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)

מִקְנַת

H4736

that is bought

properly, a buying, i.e., acquisition; concretely, a piece of property (land or living); also the sum paid

כָּ֑סֶף

H3701

for money

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וּמַלְתָּ֣ה

H4135

when thou hast circumcised

to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy

אֹת֔וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָ֖ז

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יֹ֥אכַל

H398

him then shall he eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#10

בּֽוֹ׃

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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 this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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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