Exodus 15:21

Authorized King James Version

And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתַּ֥עַן
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#3
מִרְיָ֑ם
And Miriam
mirjam, the name of two israelitesses
#4
שִׁ֤ירוּ
them Sing
to sing
#5
לַֽיהוָה֙
ye to the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
גָּאָ֔ה
for he hath triumphed
to mount up; hence, in general, to rise, (figuratively) be majestic
#8
גָּאָ֔ה
for he hath triumphed
to mount up; hence, in general, to rise, (figuratively) be majestic
#9
ס֥וּס
the horse
a horse (as leaping)
#10
וְרֹֽכְב֖וֹ
and his rider
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#11
רָמָ֥ה
hath he thrown
to hurl; specifically, to shoot; figuratively, to delude or betray (as if causing to fall)
#12
בַיָּֽם׃
into 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

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 sovereignty 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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