Exodus 21:13

Authorized King James Version

And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
צָדָ֔ה
And if a man lie not in wait
to chase; by implication, to desolate
#4
וְהָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
but 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
#5
אִנָּ֣ה
deliver
to approach; hence, to meet in various senses
#6
לְיָד֑וֹ
him into his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#7
וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י
then I will appoint
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#8
לְךָ֙
H0
#9
מָק֔וֹם
thee a place
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)
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
יָנ֖וּס
whither he shall flee
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#12
שָֽׁמָּה׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 sovereignty 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

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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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