Exodus 14:23

Authorized King James Version

And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּרְדְּפ֤וּ
pursued
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#2
מִצְרַ֙יִם֙
And the Egyptians
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#3
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
and went in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֔ם
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#5
כֹּ֚ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
ס֣וּס
horses
a horse (as leaping)
#7
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
even all Pharaoh's
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#8
רִכְבּ֖וֹ
his chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#9
וּפָֽרָשָׁ֑יו
and 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
#10
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
תּ֖וֹךְ
them to the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#12
הַיָּֽם׃
of 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

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

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