Exodus 16:18

Authorized King James Version

And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּמֹ֣דּוּ
And when they did mete
properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended
#2
בָעֹ֔מֶר
it with an omer
properly, a heap, i.e., a sheaf; also an omer, as a dry measure
#3
וְלֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
הֶעְדִּיף֙
had nothing over
to be (causatively have) redundant
#5
הַמַּרְבֶּ֔ה
he that gathered much
to increase (in whatever respect)
#6
וְהַמַּמְעִ֖יט
and he that gathered little
properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)
#7
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
הֶחְסִ֑יר
had no lack
to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen
#9
אִ֥ישׁ
every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#10
לְפִֽי
according
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#11
אָכְל֖וֹ
to his eating
food
#12
לָקָֽטוּ׃
they gathered
properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

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

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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