Exodus 3:9

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֕ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
הִנֵּ֛ה
lo!
#3
צַֽעֲקַ֥ת
Now therefore behold the cry
a shriek
#4
בְּנֵֽי
of 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
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
בָּ֣אָה
is come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
אֵלָ֑י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
וְגַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#9
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
unto me and I have also seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הַלַּ֔חַץ
the oppression
distress
#12
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
מִצְרַ֖יִם
wherewith the Egyptians
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#14
לֹֽחֲצִ֥ים
oppress
properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress
#15
אֹתָֽם׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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