Exodus 14:9

Authorized King James Version

But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּרְדְּפ֨וּ
pursued
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#2
מִצְרַ֜יִם
But the Egyptians
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#3
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֗ם
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#4
וַיַּשִּׂ֤יגוּ
and overtook
to reach (literally or figuratively)
#5
אוֹתָם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
חֹנִ֣ים
them encamping
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
הַיָּ֔ם
by 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
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
סוּס֙
them all the horses
a horse (as leaping)
#11
רֶ֣כֶב
and chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#12
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
of Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#13
וּפָֽרָשָׁ֖יו
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
#14
וְחֵיל֑וֹ
and his army
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#15
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
פִּי֙
H0
#17
הַֽחִירֹ֔ת
beside Pihahiroth
pi-ha-chiroth, a place in egypt
#18
לִפְנֵ֖י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#19
בַּ֥עַל
H0
#20
צְפֹֽן׃
Baalzephon
baal-tsephon, a place in eqypt

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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