Exodus 18:2

Authorized King James Version

Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֗ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
יִתְרוֹ֙
Then Jethro
jethro, moses' father-in-law
#3
חֹתֵ֣ן
father in law
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
#4
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
צִפֹּרָ֖ה
Zipporah
tsipporah, moses wife
#7
אֵ֣שֶׁת
wife
a woman
#8
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#9
אַחַ֖ר
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
שִׁלּוּחֶֽיהָ׃
he had sent her back
(only in plural) a dismissal, i.e., (of a wife) divorce (especially the document); also (of a daughter) dower

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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