Exodus 22:15

Authorized King James Version

But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be an hired thing, it came for his hire.

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
בְּעָלָ֥יו
But if the owner
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#3
עִמּ֖וֹ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יְשַׁלֵּ֑ם
thereof be with it he shall not make it good
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#6
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#7
שָׂכִ֣יר
if it be an hired
a man who is hired by the day or year
#8
ה֔וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
בָּ֖א
thing it came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
בִּשְׂכָרֽוֹ׃
for his hire
payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit

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 historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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