Exodus 15:27

Authorized King James Version

And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
And they came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֵילִ֔מָה
to Elim
elim, a place in the desert
#3
וְשָׁ֗ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#4
שְׁתֵּ֥ים
where were twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#5
עֶשְׂרֵ֛ה
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#6
עֵינֹ֥ת
wells
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#7
הַמָּֽיִם׃
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#8
וְשִׁבְעִ֣ים
and threescore and ten
seventy
#9
תְּמָרִ֑ים
palm trees
a palm tree
#10
וַיַּֽחֲנוּ
and they encamped
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
#11
שָׁ֖ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
הַמָּֽיִם׃
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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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