Exodus 14:21

Authorized King James Version

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֨ט
stretched out
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
יָדוֹ֮
his 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
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הַיָּ֖ם
caused the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#7
וַיּ֣וֹלֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
יְהוָ֣ה׀
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַיָּ֖ם
caused the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#11
בְּר֨וּחַ
wind
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#12
קָדִ֤ים
east
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
#13
עַזָּה֙
back by a strong
strong, vehement, harsh
#14
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
הַלַּ֔יְלָה
all that night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#16
וַיָּ֥שֶׂם
and made
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#17
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
הַיָּ֖ם
caused the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#19
לֶחָֽרָבָ֑ה
dry
a desert
#20
וַיִּבָּֽקְע֖וּ
were divided
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
#21
הַמָּֽיִם׃
land and the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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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