Exodus 3:7

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
H559
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
רָאִ֛יתִי
H7200
I have surely
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
רָאִ֛יתִי
H7200
I have surely
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
עֳנִ֥י
H6040
the affliction
depression, i.e., misery
#7
עַמִּ֖י
H5971
of my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם
H4714
which are in Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#10
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
צַֽעֲקָתָ֤ם
H6818
their cry
a shriek
#12
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙
H8085
and have heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#13
מִפְּנֵ֣י
H6440
by reason
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#14
נֹֽגְשָׂ֔יו
H5065
of their taskmasters
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
#15
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#16
יָדַ֖עְתִּי
H3045
for I know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#17
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
מַכְאֹבָֽיו׃
H4341
their sorrows
anguish or (figuratively) affliction

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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