Exodus 2:19

Authorized King James Version

And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתֹּאמַ֕רְןָ

H559

And they said

to say (used with great latitude)

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

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)

מִצְרִ֔י

H4713

An Egyptian

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

הִצִּילָ֖נוּ

H5337

delivered

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

מִיַּ֣ד

H3027

us out of the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הָֽרֹעִ֑ים

H7462

of the shepherds

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

דָלָה֙

H1802

and also drew

properly, to dangle, i.e., to let down a bucket (for drawing out water); figuratively, to deliver

דָלָה֙

H1802

and also drew

properly, to dangle, i.e., to let down a bucket (for drawing out water); figuratively, to deliver

#10

לָ֔נוּ

#11

וַיַּ֖שְׁקְ

H8248

for us and watered

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

#12

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

הַצֹּֽאן׃

H6629

the flock

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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