Exodus 13:9

Authorized King James Version

And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָה֩

H1961

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

לְךָ֙

לְא֜וֹת

H226

And it shall be for a sign

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

בְּיָ֣ד

H3027

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

וּלְזִכָּרוֹן֙

H2146

and for a memorial

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

בֵּ֣ין

H996

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

עֵינֶ֔יךָ

H5869

between thine eyes

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

לְמַ֗עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#10

תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה

H1961

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

#11

תּוֹרַ֥ת

H8451

law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

#12

יְהוָֹ֖ה

H3068

hath the LORD

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

#13

בְּפִ֑יךָ

H6310

may be in thy mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#14

כִּ֚י

H3588

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

#15

בְּיָ֣ד

H3027

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

#16

חֲזָקָ֔ה

H2389

for with a strong

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

#17

הוֹצִֽאֲךָ֥

H3318

brought thee out

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

#18

יְהוָֹ֖ה

H3068

hath the LORD

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

#19

מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
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?

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