Exodus 2:24

Authorized King James Version

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע
heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
אֱלֹהִים֙
And God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
נַֽאֲקָתָ֑ם
their groaning
a groan
#5
וַיִּזְכֹּ֤ר
remembered
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#6
אֱלֹהִים֙
And God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
בְּרִית֔וֹ
his covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#9
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#10
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
H85
with Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram
#11
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#12
יִצְחָ֥ק
with Isaac
jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham
#13
וְאֶֽת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#14
יַעֲקֹֽב׃
and with Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights covenant through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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