Exodus 19:4

Authorized King James Version

Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַתֶּ֣ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
רְאִיתֶ֔ם
Ye have seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#3
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
what I did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
לְמִצְרָ֑יִם
unto the Egyptians
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#6
וָֽאֶשָּׂ֤א
and how I bare
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#7
אֶתְכֶם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
כַּנְפֵ֣י
wings
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
#10
נְשָׁרִ֔ים
you on eagles
the eagle (or other large bird of prey)
#11
וָֽאָבִ֥א
and brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
אֵלָֽי׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

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

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