Exodus 21:10

Authorized King James Version

If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
אַחֶ֖רֶת
him another
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#3
יִֽקַּֽח
If he take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#4
ל֑וֹ
H0
#5
שְׁאֵרָ֛הּ
wife her food
flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood
#6
כְּסוּתָ֥הּ
her raiment
a cover (garment); figuratively, a veiling
#7
וְעֹֽנָתָ֖הּ
and her duty of marriage
(sexual) cohabitation
#8
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יִגְרָֽע׃
shall he not diminish
to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold

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

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