Exodus 18:14

Authorized King James Version

And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּרְא֙
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
חֹתֵ֣ן
father in law
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
#3
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
And when Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#4
אֵ֛ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
ה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#8
עֹשֶׂה֙
all that he did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
הָעָ֛ם
thou thyself alone and all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר
he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
מָֽה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#12
הַדָּבָ֤ר
What is this thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#13
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#14
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
אַתָּ֤ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#16
עֹשֶׂה֙
all that he did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#17
הָעָ֛ם
thou thyself alone and all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#18
מַדּ֗וּעַ
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#19
אַתָּ֤ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#20
יוֹשֵׁב֙
why sittest
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#21
לְבַדֶּ֔ךָ
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#22
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#23
הָעָ֛ם
thou thyself alone and all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#24
נִצָּ֥ב
stand
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#25
עָלֶ֖יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#26
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#27
בֹּ֥קֶר
by thee from morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#28
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#29
עָֽרֶב׃
unto even
dusk

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of covenant community 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

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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