Exodus 12:8

Authorized King James Version

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יֹֽאכְלֻֽהוּ׃
And they shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַבָּשָׂ֖ר
the flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#4
בַּלַּ֣יְלָה
in that night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#5
הַזֶּ֑ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
צְלִי
roast
roasted
#7
אֵ֣שׁ
with fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#8
וּמַצּ֔וֹת
and unleavened bread
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
מְרֹרִ֖ים
and with bitter
a bitter herb
#11
יֹֽאכְלֻֽהוּ׃
And they shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources