Exodus 16:3

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּֽאמְר֨וּ

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֜ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

And the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מִֽי

H4310

unto them Would to God

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יִתֵּ֨ן

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְהָמִ֛ית

H4191

to kill

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בְיַד

H3027

by the 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

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

מִצְרַ֔יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#12

בְּשִׁבְתֵּ֙נוּ֙

H3427

when we sat

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#13

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

סִ֣יר

H5518

pots

a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook

#15

הַבָּשָׂ֔ר

H1320

by the flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#16

בְּאָכְלֵ֥נוּ

H398

and when we did eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#17

לֶ֖חֶם

H3899

bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#18

לָשֹׂ֑בַע

H7648

to the full

satisfaction (of food or [figuratively] joy)

#19

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#20

הוֹצֵאתֶ֤ם

H3318

for ye have brought us forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#21

אֹתָ֙נוּ֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#22

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#23

הַמִּדְבָּ֣ר

H4057

into this wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

#24

הַזֶּ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#25

לְהָמִ֛ית

H4191

to kill

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#26

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#27

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#28

הַקָּהָ֥ל

H6951

this whole assembly

assemblage (usually concretely)

#29

הַזֶּ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#30

בָּֽרָעָֽב׃

H7458

with hunger

hunger (more or less extensive)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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