Exodus 18:3

Authorized King James Version

And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֵ֖ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁנֵ֣י

H8147

And her two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בָנֶ֑יהָ

H1121

sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שֵׁ֤ם

H8034

of which the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הָֽאֶחָד֙

H259

of the one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

גֵּֽרְשֹׁ֔ם

H1647

was Gershom

gereshom, the name of four israelites

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָמַ֔ר

H559

for he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

גֵּ֣ר

H1616

I have been an alien

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

#11

הָיִ֔יתִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

בְּאֶ֖רֶץ

H776

land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

נָכְרִיָּֽה׃

H5237

in a strange

strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)

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 divine revelation 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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