Exodus 3:21

Authorized King James Version

And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָֽתַתִּ֛י
And I will give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
חֵ֥ן
favour
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
#4
הָֽעָם
this people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
הַזֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#7
מִצְרָ֑יִם
of the Egyptians
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#8
וְהָיָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
תֵֽלֵכ֔וּן
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
תֵֽלְכ֖וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
רֵיקָֽם׃
empty
emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of covenant community 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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