Exodus 18:22

Authorized King James Version

And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִשְׁפְּטוּ
H8199
And let them judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הָעָם֮
H5971
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
בְּכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
עֵת֒
H6256
at all seasons
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#6
וְהָיָ֞ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הַדָּבָ֥ר
H1697
matter
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#9
הַגָּדֹל֙
H1419
and it shall be that every great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#10
יָבִ֣יאוּ
H935
they shall bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
אֵלֶ֔יךָ
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
וְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
הַדָּבָ֥ר
H1697
matter
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#14
הַקָּטֹ֖ן
H6996
unto thee but every small
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#15
יִשְׁפְּטוּ
H8199
And let them judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#16
הֵ֑ם
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#17
וְהָקֵל֙
H7043
so shall it be easier
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
#18
מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
וְנָֽשְׂא֖וּ
H5375
for thyself and they shall bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#20
אִתָּֽךְ׃
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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