Exodus 12:5

Authorized King James Version

Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שֶׂ֥ה
Your lamb
a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat
#2
תָמִ֛ים
shall be without blemish
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
#3
זָכָ֥ר
a male
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#4
בֶּן
of the first
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
שָׁנָ֖ה
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#6
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
לָכֶ֑ם
H0
#8
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#9
הַכְּבָשִׂ֥ים
it out from the sheep
a ram (just old enough to butt)
#10
וּמִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#11
הָֽעִזִּ֖ים
or from the goats
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
#12
תִּקָּֽחוּ׃
ye shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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