Exodus 19:15

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הָעָ֔ם
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
הֱי֥וּ
Be
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
נְכֹנִ֖ים
ready
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#6
לִשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
against the third
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#7
יָמִ֑ים
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#8
אַֽל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
תִּגְּשׁ֖וּ
come
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#10
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
אִשָּֽׁה׃
not at your wives
a woman

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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