Exodus 2:15

Authorized King James Version

Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע
heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
פַרְעֹ֔ה
Now when Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַדָּבָ֣ר
this thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
הַזֶּ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
וַיְבַקֵּ֖שׁ
he sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#7
לַֽהֲרֹ֣ג
to slay
to smite with deadly intent
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
מֹשֶׁה֙
But Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#10
וַיִּבְרַ֤ח
fled
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
#11
מֹשֶׁה֙
But Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#12
מִפְּנֵ֣י
from the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#13
פַרְעֹ֔ה
Now when Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#14
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
and dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#15
בְּאֶֽרֶץ
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#16
מִדְיָ֖ן
of Midian
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
#17
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
and dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#18
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
הַבְּאֵֽר׃
by a well
a pit; especially a well

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

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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