Exodus 17:2

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תְּרִיבוּן֙
did chide
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
#2
הָעָם֙
Wherefore the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
תְּנוּ
Give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
לָ֥נוּ
H0
#8
מַ֖יִם
us water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#9
וְנִשְׁתֶּ֑ה
that we may drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#10
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
לָהֶם֙
H0
#12
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#13
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#14
תְּרִיבוּן֙
did chide
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
#15
עִמָּדִ֔י
along with
#16
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#17
תְּנַסּ֖וּן
ye with me wherefore do ye tempt
to test; by implication, to attempt
#18
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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