Exodus 14:29

Authorized King James Version

But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְנֵ֧י
But 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
#2
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#3
הָֽלְכ֥וּ
walked
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
בַיַּבָּשָׁ֖ה
upon dry
dry ground
#5
בְּת֣וֹךְ
land in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#6
הַיָּ֑ם
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
#7
וְהַמַּ֤יִם
and the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#8
לָהֶם֙
H0
#9
חֹמָ֔ה
were a wall
a wall of protection
#10
מִֽימִינָ֖ם
unto them on their right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#11
וּמִשְּׂמֹאלָֽם׃
and on their left
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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