Exodus 14:17

Authorized King James Version

And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽאֲנִ֗י

H589

הִנְנִ֤י

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מְחַזֵּק֙

H2388

And I behold I will harden

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

אֶת

H853

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

לֵ֣ב

H3820

the hearts

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

מִצְרַ֔יִם

H4714

of the Egyptians

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְיָבֹ֖אוּ

H935

and they shall follow

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם

H310

them

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְאִכָּֽבְדָ֤ה

H3513

and I will get me honour

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

#10

בְּפַרְעֹה֙

H6547

upon Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

#11

וּבְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

חֵיל֔וֹ

H2428

and upon all his host

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

#13

בְּרִכְבּ֖וֹ

H7393

upon his chariots

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

#14

וּבְפָֽרָשָֽׁיו׃

H6571

and upon his horsemen

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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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