Exodus 13:16

Authorized King James Version

And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֤ה

H1961

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

לְאוֹת֙

H226

And it shall be for a token

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָ֔ד

H3027

of hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וּלְטֽוֹטָפֹ֖ת

H2903

and for frontlets

a fillet for the forehead

בֵּ֣ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

עֵינֶ֑יךָ

H5869

between thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כִּ֚י

H3588

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

בְּחֹ֣זֶק

H2392

for by strength

power

#10

יָ֔ד

H3027

of hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#11

הֽוֹצִיאָ֥נוּ

H3318

brought us forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#12

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#13

מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

out of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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