Exodus 20:9

Authorized King James Version

Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

Word-by-Word Analysis

שֵׁ֤֣שֶׁת

H8337

Six

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

יָמִ֣ים֙

H3117

days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תַּֽעֲבֹ֔ד֮

H5647

shalt thou labour

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

וְעָשִׂ֖֣יתָ

H6213

and do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְלַאכְתֶּֽךָ֒׃

H4399

all thy work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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