Exodus 15:20

Authorized King James Version

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּקַּח֩
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
מִרְיָ֨ם
And Miriam
mirjam, the name of two israelitesses
#3
הַנְּבִיאָ֜ה
the prophetess
a prophetess or (generally) inspired woman; by implication, a poetess; by association a prophet's wife
#4
אֲח֧וֹת
the sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#5
אַֽהֲרֹ֛ן
of Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
בְּתֻפִּ֖ים
a timbrel
a tambourine
#8
בְּיָדָ֑הּ
in her 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
#9
וַתֵּצֶ֤אןָ
went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#10
כָֽל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
הַנָּשִׁים֙
and all the women
a woman
#12
אַֽחֲרֶ֔יהָ
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#13
בְּתֻפִּ֖ים
a timbrel
a tambourine
#14
וּבִמְחֹלֹֽת׃
and with dances
a dance

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources