Exodus 31:17

Authorized King James Version

It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֵּינִ֗י

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵין֙

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

between me and 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

א֥וֹת

H226

It is a sign

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

הִ֖וא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְעֹלָ֑ם

H5769

for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֵׁ֣שֶׁת

H8337

for in six

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

#10

וּבַיּוֹם֙

H3117

day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#11

עָשָׂ֤ה

H6213

made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#12

יְהוָה֙

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם

H8064

heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#15

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

and earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#17

וּבַיּוֹם֙

H3117

day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#18

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י

H7637

and on the seventh

seventh

#19

שָׁבַ֖ת

H7673

he rested

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

#20

וַיִּנָּפַֽשׁ׃

H5314

and was refreshed

to breathe; passively, to be breathed upon , i.e., (figuratively) refreshed (as if by a current of air)

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

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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