Exodus 2:6

Authorized King James Version

And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּפְתַּח֙
And when she had opened
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#2
וַתִּרְאֵ֣הוּ
it she saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
מִיַּלְדֵ֥י
children
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#5
וְהִנֵּה
lo!
#6
נַ֖עַר
and behold the babe
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#7
בֹּכֶ֑ה
wept
to weep; generally to bemoan
#8
וַתַּחְמֹ֣ל
And she had compassion
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
#9
עָלָ֔יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
וַתֹּ֕אמֶר
on him and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
מִיַּלְדֵ֥י
children
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#12
הָֽעִבְרִ֖ים
This is one of the Hebrews
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
#13
זֶֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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

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