Exodus 30:15

Authorized King James Version

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֶֽעָשִׁ֣יר
The rich
rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)
#2
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
יַרְבֶּ֗ה
shall not give more
to increase (in whatever respect)
#4
וְהַדַּל֙
and the poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#5
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יַמְעִ֔יט
shall not give less
properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)
#7
מִֽמַּחֲצִ֖ית
than half
a halving or the middle
#8
הַשָּׁ֑קֶל
a shekel
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#9
לָתֵת֙
when they give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
תְּרוּמַ֣ת
an offering
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
#12
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
לְכַפֵּ֖ר
to make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶֽם׃
for your souls
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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

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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