Exodus 23:11

Authorized King James Version

But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַשְּׁבִיעִ֞ת
But the seventh
seventh
#2
תִּשְׁמְטֶ֣נָּה
year thou shalt let it rest
to fling down; incipiently to jostle; figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit
#3
וּנְטַשְׁתָּ֗הּ
and lie
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
#4
תֹּאכַ֖ל
may eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#5
אֶבְיֹנֵ֣י
H34
still that the poor
destitute
#6
עַמֶּ֔ךָ
of thy people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
וְיִתְרָ֕ם
and what they leave
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
#8
תֹּאכַ֖ל
may eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#9
חַיַּ֣ת
the beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#10
הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה
of the field
a field (as flat)
#11
כֵּֽן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#12
תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
In like manner thou shalt deal
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
לְכַרְמְךָ֖
with thy vineyard
a garden or vineyard
#14
לְזֵיתֶֽךָ׃
and with thy oliveyard
an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of covenant community 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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