Exodus 27:20

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתָּ֞ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תְּצַוֶּ֣ה׀

H6680

And thou shalt command

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת

H853

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

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְיִקְח֨וּ

H3947

that they bring

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֜יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שֶׁ֣מֶן

H8081

oil

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

זַ֥יִת

H2132

olive

an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

#10

זָ֛ךְ

H2134

thee pure

clear

#11

כָּתִ֖ית

H3795

beaten

beaten, i.e., pure (oil)

#12

לַמָּא֑וֹר

H3974

for the light

properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli

#13

לְהַֽעֲלֹ֥ת

H5927

to burn

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#14

נֵ֖ר

H5216

to cause the lamp

a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

#15

תָּמִֽיד׃

H8548

always

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

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

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

How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 27 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?

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