Exodus 2:22

Authorized King James Version

And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֵּ֣לֶד
And she bare
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#2
בֵּ֔ן
him a son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
and he called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
שְׁמ֖וֹ
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#6
גֵּֽרְשֹׁ֑ם
Gershom
gereshom, the name of four israelites
#7
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
אָמַ֔ר
for he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
גֵּ֣ר
I have been a stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#10
הָיִ֔יתִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
בְּאֶ֖רֶץ
land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
נָכְרִיָּֽה׃
in a strange
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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