Exodus 3:13

Authorized King James Version

And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֹמַ֖ר
and shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֜ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
unto 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
#5
הִנֵּ֨ה
lo!
#6
אָֽנֹכִ֣י
i
#7
בָא֮
Behold when I come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
בְּנֵ֣י
unto 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
#10
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
אֹמַ֖ר
and shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
לָהֶ֔ם
H0
#13
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
unto 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
#14
אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם
H1
of your fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#15
שְׁלָחַ֣נִי
hath sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#16
אֲלֵיכֶ֑ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#17
אֹמַ֖ר
and shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#18
לִ֣י
H0
#19
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#20
שְּׁמ֔וֹ
to me What is his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#21
מָ֥ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#22
אֹמַ֖ר
and shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#23
אֲלֵהֶֽם׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

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

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

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