Exodus 30:12

Authorized King James Version

When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
תִשָּׂ֞א
H5375
When thou takest
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
רֹ֥אשׁ
H7218
the sum
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
בְּנֵֽי
H1121
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
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵל֮
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
בִּפְקֹ֥ד
H6485
after their number
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#8
וְנָ֨תְנ֜וּ
H5414
then shall they give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
אִ֣ישׁ
H376
every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#10
כֹּ֧פֶר
H3724
a ransom
properly, a cover, i.e., (literally) a village (as covered in)
#11
נַפְשׁ֛וֹ
H5315
for his soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#12
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
H3068
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
בִּפְקֹ֥ד
H6485
after their number
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#14
אֹתָ֑ם
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#17
בָהֶ֛ם
H0
#18
נֶ֖גֶף
H5063
them that there be no plague
a trip (of the foot); figuratively, an infliction (of disease)
#19
בִּפְקֹ֥ד
H6485
after their number
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#20
אֹתָֽם׃
H853
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 sovereignty 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 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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