Exodus 12:48

Authorized King James Version

And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכִֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָג֨וּר

H1481

shall sojourn

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

אִתְּךָ֜

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

גֵּ֗ר

H1616

And when a stranger

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

לַֽעֲשֹׂת֔וֹ

H6213

and keep

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

פֶסַח֮

H6453

the passover

a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)

לַֽיהוָה֒

H3068

to the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הִמּ֧וֹל

H4135

be circumcised

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

ל֣וֹ

#10

כָל

H3605

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

#11

זָכָ֗ר

H2145

let all his males

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

#12

וְאָז֙

H227

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

#13

יִקְרַ֣ב

H7126

and then let him come near

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

#14

לַֽעֲשֹׂת֔וֹ

H6213

and keep

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

וְהָיָ֖ה

H1961

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

#16

כְּאֶזְרַ֣ח

H249

it and he shall be as one that is born

a spontaneous growth, i.e., native (tree or persons)

#17

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#18

וְכָל

H3605

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

#19

עָרֵ֖ל

H6189

for no uncircumcised person

properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

#20

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#21

יֹ֥אכַל

H398

shall eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#22

בּֽוֹ׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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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