Exodus 20:24

Authorized King James Version

An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִזְבַּ֣ח
An altar
an altar
#2
אֲדָמָה֮
of earth
soil (from its general redness)
#3
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה
thou shalt make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
לִּי֒
H0
#5
וְזָֽבַחְתָּ֣
unto me and shalt sacrifice
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#6
עָלָ֗יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
עֹֽלֹתֶ֙יךָ֙
thereon thy burnt offerings
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
שְׁלָמֶ֔יךָ
and thy peace offerings
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
צֹֽאנְךָ֖
thy sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#13
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
בְּקָרֶ֑ךָ
and thine oxen
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#15
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
הַמָּקוֹם֙
in all places
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#17
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
אַזְכִּ֣יר
where I record
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
שְׁמִ֔י
my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#21
אָב֥וֹא
I will come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#22
אֵלֶ֖יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#23
וּבֵֽרַכְתִּֽיךָ׃
unto thee and I will bless
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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