Exodus 23:31

Authorized King James Version

And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשַׁתִּ֣י
H7896
And I will set
to place (in a very wide application)
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
גְּבֻֽלְךָ֗
H1366
thy bounds
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#4
יָ֣ם
H3220
even unto the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#5
סוּף֙
H5488
from the Red
a reed, especially the papyrus
#6
וְעַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#7
יָ֣ם
H3220
even unto the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#8
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
H6430
of the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#9
וּמִמִּדְבָּ֖ר
H4057
and from the desert
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#10
עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#11
הַנָּהָ֑ר
H5104
unto the river
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#12
כִּ֣י׀
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
אֶתֵּ֣ן
H5414
for I will deliver
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
בְּיֶדְכֶ֗ם
H3027
into your hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#15
אֵ֚ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֣י
H3427
the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#17
הָאָ֔רֶץ
H776
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#18
וְגֵֽרַשְׁתָּ֖מוֹ
H1644
and thou shalt drive them out
to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce
#19
מִפָּנֶֽיךָ׃
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

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

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

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