Exodus 23:21

Authorized King James Version

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Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.

Original Language Analysis

הִשָּׁ֧מֶר Beware H8104
הִשָּׁ֧מֶר Beware
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 1 of 14
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מִפָּנָ֛יו of H6440
מִפָּנָ֛יו of
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 2 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וּשְׁמַ֥ע him and obey H8085
וּשְׁמַ֥ע him and obey
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 3 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בְּקֹל֖וֹ his voice H6963
בְּקֹל֖וֹ his voice
Strong's: H6963
Word #: 4 of 14
a voice or sound
אַל H408
אַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 5 of 14
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּמֵּ֣ר provoke H4843
תַּמֵּ֣ר provoke
Strong's: H4843
Word #: 6 of 14
to be (causatively, make) bitter (literally or figuratively)
בּ֑וֹ H0
בּ֑וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 7 of 14
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֤א H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 9 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשָּׂא֙ him not for he will not pardon H5375
יִשָּׂא֙ him not for he will not pardon
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 10 of 14
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
לְפִשְׁעֲכֶ֔ם your transgressions H6588
לְפִשְׁעֲכֶ֔ם your transgressions
Strong's: H6588
Word #: 11 of 14
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 12 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שְׁמִ֖י for my name H8034
שְׁמִ֖י for my name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 13 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃ is in him H7130
בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃ is in him
Strong's: H7130
Word #: 14 of 14
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

Analysis & Commentary

Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.

The Angel commands reverence—'beware' (הִשָּׁמֶר, hisshamer), 'obey' (שְׁמַע, shema), 'provoke not' (אַל־תַּמֵּר, al-tammer). Why? 'My name is in him' (כִּי שְׁמִי בְּקִרְבּוֹ, ki shemi beqirbo)—God's name/nature/presence indwells the Angel. 'He will not pardon transgressions'—resisting God's appointed leader brings judgment. This Angel is no mere creature; he bears God's name and authority. Hebrews 2:2-3 references this: 'the word spoken through angels' brought judgment; how much more rejecting Christ? Jesus says 'I have come in my Father's name' (John 5:43)—the Angel bearing God's name foreshadows Christ bearing the name 'YHWH our Righteousness.'

Historical Context

The Angel bearing God's name and refusing pardon for disobedience indicates divine status. Ancient Near Eastern messengers carried their sender's authority; this Angel carries God's very name—suggesting deity.

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