Exodus 14:8

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְחַזֵּ֣ק

H2388

hardened

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

יְהוָֹ֗ה

H3068

And the LORD

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

אֶת

H853

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

לֵ֤ב

H3820

the heart

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

פַּרְעֹה֙

H6547

of Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

מִצְרַ֔יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַיִּרְדֹּ֕ף

H7291

and he pursued

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י

H310

after

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

#10

וּבְנֵ֣י

H1121

and 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

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

וּבְנֵ֣י

H1121

and 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

#13

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#14

יֹֽצְאִ֖ים

H3318

went out

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

#15

בְּיָ֥ד

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

רָמָֽה׃

H7311

with an high

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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