Exodus 13:17

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

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

בְּשַׁלַּ֣ח

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

פַּרְעֹה֮

H6547

And it came to pass when Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אֶת

H853

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

הָעָ֛ם

H5971

Lest peradventure the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

נָחָ֣ם

H5148

led

to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)

אֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

for God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

דֶּ֚רֶךְ

H1870

them not through the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#10

אֶ֣רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים

H6430

of the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#12

כִּ֣י׀

H3588

although

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

#13

קָר֖וֹב

H7138

that was near

near (in place, kindred or time)

#14

ה֑וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#15

כִּ֣י׀

H3588

although

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

#16

אָמַ֣ר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

#17

אֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

for God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#18

פֶּֽן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

#19

יִנָּחֵ֥ם

H5162

repent

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

#20

הָעָ֛ם

H5971

Lest peradventure the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#21

בִּרְאֹתָ֥ם

H7200

when they see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#22

מִלְחָמָ֖ה

H4421

war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#23

וְשָׁ֥בוּ

H7725

and they return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#24

מִצְרָֽיְמָה׃

H4714

to Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
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?

Related Resources

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