Exodus 3:12

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
כִּ֥י
unto thee that
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
עִמָּ֔ךְ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#5
וְזֶה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
לְּךָ֣
H0
#7
הָא֔וֹת
Certainly I will be with thee and this shall be a token
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
#8
כִּ֥י
unto thee that
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
אָֽנֹכִ֖י
i
#10
שְׁלַחְתִּ֑יךָ
I have sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#11
בְּהוֹצִֽיאֲךָ֤
thee When thou hast brought forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הָעָם֙
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#14
מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם
out of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#15
תַּֽעַבְדוּן֙
ye shall serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#16
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#18
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
הָהָ֥ר
upon this mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#20
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 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

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