Exodus 30:23

Authorized King James Version

Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
קַח
Take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#3
לְךָ֮
H0
#4
בֹ֖שֶׂם
shekels and of sweet
fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant
#5
רֹאשׁ֒
thou also unto thee principal
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
מָר
myrrh
myrrh (as distilling in drops, and also as bitter)
#7
דְּרוֹר֙
of pure
freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear
#8
חֲמֵ֣שׁ
five
five
#9
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
even two hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#10
וְקִנְּמָן
cinnamon
cinnamon bark (as in upright rolls)
#11
בֹ֖שֶׂם
shekels and of sweet
fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant
#12
מַֽחֲצִית֖וֹ
half
a halving or the middle
#13
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
and fifty
fifty
#14
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
even two hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#15
וּקְנֵה
calamus
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#16
בֹ֖שֶׂם
shekels and of sweet
fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant
#17
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
and fifty
fifty
#18
וּמָאתָֽיִם׃
even two hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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