Exodus 27:21

Authorized King James Version

In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּאֹ֣הֶל

H168

In the tabernacle

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵד֩

H4150

of the congregation

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

מִח֨וּץ

H2351

without

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לַפָּרֹ֜כֶת

H6532

the vail

a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָֽעֵדֻ֗ת

H5715

which is before the testimony

testimony

יַֽעֲרֹךְ֩

H6186

shall order

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

אֹת֨וֹ

H853

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

#10

אַֽהֲרֹ֧ן

H175

Aaron

aharon, the brother of moses

#11

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

and his sons

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

#12

מֵעֶ֥רֶב

H6153

it from evening

dusk

#13

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#14

בֹּ֖קֶר

H1242

to morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

#15

לִפְנֵ֣י

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

#16

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#17

חֻקַּ֤ת

H2708

it shall be a statute

a statute

#18

עוֹלָם֙

H5769

for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#19

לְדֹ֣רֹתָ֔ם

H1755

unto their generations

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

#20

מֵאֵ֖ת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#21

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

and his sons

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

#22

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty 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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Moses