Exodus 23:15

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חַ֣ג

H2282

the feast

a festival, or a victim therefor

מַצּ֜וֹת

H4682

of unleavened bread

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

תִּשְׁמֹר֒

H8104

Thou shalt keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

שִׁבְעַ֣ת

H7651

seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִים֩

H3117

days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תֹּאכַ֨ל

H398

thou shalt eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מַצּ֜וֹת

H4682

of unleavened bread

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

צִוִּיתִ֗ךָ

H6680

as I commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#11

לְמוֹעֵד֙

H4150

thee in the time appointed

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

#12

חֹ֣דֶשׁ

H2320

of the month

the new moon; by implication, a month

#13

הָֽאָבִ֔יב

H24

Abib

green, i.e., a young ear of grain; hence, the name of the month abib or nisan

#14

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#15

ב֖וֹ

#16

יָצָ֣אתָ

H3318

for in it thou camest out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#17

מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם

H4714

from Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#18

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#19

יֵרָא֥וּ

H7200

and none shall appear

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#20

פָנַ֖י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#21

רֵיקָֽם׃

H7387

me empty

emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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