Exodus 19:16

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִי֩
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַיּ֨וֹם
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
#3
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֜י
And it came to pass on the third
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#4
בִּֽהְיֹ֣ת
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
הַבֹּ֗קֶר
in the morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#6
וַיְהִי֩
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
וְקֹ֥ל
and the voice
a voice or sound
#8
וּבְרָקִ֜ים
and lightnings
lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword
#9
וְעָנָ֤ן
cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#10
כָּבֵד֙
and a thick
heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
הָהָ֔ר
upon the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#13
וְקֹ֥ל
and the voice
a voice or sound
#14
שֹׁפָ֖ר
of the trumpet
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
#15
חָזָ֣ק
loud
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
#16
מְאֹ֑ד
exceeding
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#17
וַיֶּֽחֱרַ֥ד
trembled
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)
#18
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#19
הָעָ֖ם
so that all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#20
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
that was in the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources