Exodus 2:11

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֣י׀
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
And it came to pass in those days
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
הָהֵ֗ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
וַיִּגְדַּ֤ל
was grown
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#5
מֹשֶׁה֙
when Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#6
וַיֵּצֵ֣א
that he went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
מֵֽאֶחָֽיו׃
one of his brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#9
וַיַּרְא֙
and he spied
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#10
בְּסִבְלֹתָ֑ם
on their burdens
porterage
#11
וַיַּרְא֙
and he spied
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#12
אִ֣ישׁ
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#13
מִצְרִ֔י
an Egyptian
a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim
#14
מַכֶּ֥ה
smiting
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#15
אִישׁ
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#16
עִבְרִ֖י
an Hebrew
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
#17
מֵֽאֶחָֽיו׃
one of his brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation 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

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