Exodus 19:4
Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.
Original Language Analysis
רְאִיתֶ֔ם
Ye have seen
H7200
רְאִיתֶ֔ם
Ye have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
what I did
H6213
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
what I did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְמִצְרָ֑יִם
unto the Egyptians
H4714
לְמִצְרָ֑יִם
unto the Egyptians
Strong's:
H4714
Word #:
5 of 13
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
וָֽאֶשָּׂ֤א
and how I bare
H5375
וָֽאֶשָּׂ֤א
and how I bare
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
6 of 13
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶתְכֶם֙
H853
אֶתְכֶם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כַּנְפֵ֣י
wings
H3671
כַּנְפֵ֣י
wings
Strong's:
H3671
Word #:
9 of 13
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
וָֽאָבִ֥א
and brought
H935
וָֽאָבִ֥א
and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
11 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Isaiah 63:9In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.Isaiah 40:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.Revelation 12:14And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.Deuteronomy 29:2And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Ye have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land;Deuteronomy 4:9Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
Historical Context
The eagle metaphor would resonate powerfully in the ancient Near East, where eagles represented power and divine care. Deuteronomy 32:11 expands this imagery, showing God's tender care as a mother eagle teaching eaglets to fly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering God's past deliverance strengthen your obedience to His present commands?
- What does the phrase 'brought you unto myself' reveal about God's ultimate purpose in redemption?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.
God appeals to witnessed history before making future demands—covenant is rooted in redemption, not abstraction. The eagle imagery (כְּנָפַיִם נְשָׁרִים, kenafayim nesharim) depicts supernatural deliverance: eagles carry their young on their wings above danger. The phrase 'brought you unto myself' (וָאָבִא אֶתְכֶם אֵלָי, va'avi etkhem elai) reveals the exodus's ultimate purpose—not just freedom from Egypt but intimacy with God. Every plague, every crossing, every provision aimed at this moment: Israel standing before their Redeemer. Relationship precedes law; grace establishes the ground for obedience.