Exodus 2:21

Authorized King James Version

And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיּ֥וֹאֶל
was content
properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition
#2
לְמֹשֶֽׁה׃
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
לָשֶׁ֣בֶת
to dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#4
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#5
הָאִ֑ישׁ
with the man
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)
#6
וַיִּתֵּ֛ן
and he gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
צִפֹּרָ֥ה
Zipporah
tsipporah, moses wife
#9
בִתּ֖וֹ
his daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#10
לְמֹשֶֽׁה׃
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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