Exodus 21:2

Authorized King James Version

If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
תִקְנֶה֙
If thou buy
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
#3
עֶ֣בֶד
servant
a servant
#4
עִבְרִ֔י
an Hebrew
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
#5
שֵׁ֥שׁ
six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#6
שָׁנִ֖ים
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#7
יַֽעֲבֹ֑ד
he shall serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#8
וּבַ֨שְּׁבִעִ֔ת
and in the seventh
seventh
#9
יֵצֵ֥א
he shall go out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#10
לַֽחָפְשִׁ֖י
free
exempt (from bondage, tax or care)
#11
חִנָּֽם׃
for nothing
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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