Exodus 18:19

Authorized King James Version

Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַתָּ֞ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
שְׁמַ֤ע
Hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
בְּקֹלִי֙
now unto my voice
a voice or sound
#4
אִיעָ֣צְךָ֔
I will give thee counsel
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#5
הֱיֵ֧ה
shall be
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
and God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#7
עִמָּ֑ךְ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#8
הֱיֵ֧ה
shall be
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
אַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#10
לָעָ֗ם
with thee Be thou for the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
מ֚וּל
to God-ward
properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
#12
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
and God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#13
וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֥
that thou mayest bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#14
אַתָּ֛ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
the causes
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#17
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
and God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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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