Exodus 23:21

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִשָּׁ֧מֶר

H8104

Beware

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

מִפָּנָ֛יו

H6440

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

H8085

him and obey

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּקֹל֖וֹ

H6963

his voice

a voice or sound

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּמֵּ֣ר

H4843

provoke

to be (causatively, make) bitter (literally or figuratively)

בּ֑וֹ

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

#10

יִשָּׂא֙

H5375

him not for he will not pardon

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#11

לְפִשְׁעֲכֶ֔ם

H6588

your transgressions

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

#12

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#13

שְׁמִ֖י

H8034

for my name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#14

בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃

H7130

is in him

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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