Exodus 2:16

Authorized King James Version

Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּלְכֹהֵ֥ן
Now the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#2
מִדְיָ֖ן
of Midian
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
#3
שֶׁ֣בַע
had seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#4
בָּנ֑וֹת
daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#5
וַתָּבֹ֣אנָה
and they came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
וַתִּדְלֶ֗נָה
and drew
properly, to dangle, i.e., to let down a bucket (for drawing out water); figuratively, to deliver
#7
וַתְּמַלֶּ֙אנָה֙
water and filled
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הָ֣רְהָטִ֔ים
the troughs
a channel or watering-box; by resemblance a ringlet of hair (as forming parallel lines)
#10
לְהַשְׁק֖וֹת
to water
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
#11
צֹ֥אן
flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#12
אֲבִיהֶֽן׃
H1
their father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources