Exodus 15:13

Authorized King James Version

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נָחִ֥יתָ
hast led forth
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
#2
בְחַסְדְּךָ֖
Thou in thy mercy
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#3
עַם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
ז֣וּ
which
this or that
#5
גָּאָ֑לְתָּ
thou hast redeemed
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
#6
נֵהַ֥לְתָּ
thou hast guided
properly, to run with a sparkle, i.e., flow; hence (transitively), to conduct, and (by inference) to protect, sustain
#7
בְעָזְּךָ֖
them in thy strength
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
נְוֵ֥ה
habitation
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild
#10
קָדְשֶֽׁךָ׃
unto thy holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of mercy reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. 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 mercy in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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