Exodus 13:2

Authorized King James Version

Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קַדֶּשׁ
Sanctify
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#2
לִ֨י
H0
#3
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
בְּכ֜וֹר
unto me all the firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#5
פֶּ֤טֶר
whatsoever openeth
a fissure, i.e., (concretely) firstling (as opening the matrix)
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
רֶ֙חֶם֙
the womb
the womb
#8
בִּבְנֵ֣י
among the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#10
בָּֽאָדָ֖ם
both of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#11
וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
and of beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#12
לִ֖י
H0
#13
הֽוּא׃
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

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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