Exodus 19:12

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִגְבַּלְתָּ֤
And thou shalt set bounds
properly, to twist as a rope; to bound (as by a line)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הָעָם֙
unto the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
סָבִ֣יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#5
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
הִשָּֽׁמְר֥וּ
Take heed
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#7
לָכֶ֛ם
H0
#8
עֲל֥וֹת
to yourselves that ye go not up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#9
בָּהָ֖ר
into the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#10
הַנֹּגֵ֥עַ
of it whosoever toucheth
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#11
בְּקָצֵ֑הוּ
the border
an extremity
#12
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
הַנֹּגֵ֥עַ
of it whosoever toucheth
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#14
בָּהָ֖ר
into the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#15
יוּמָֽת׃
put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#16
יוּמָֽת׃
put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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