Exodus 32:19

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
קָרַב֙
And it came to pass as soon as he came nigh
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
unto the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#6
וַיַּ֥רְא
that he saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הָעֵ֖גֶל
the calf
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
#9
וּמְחֹלֹ֑ת
and the dancing
a dance
#10
וַיִּֽחַר
waxed hot
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
#11
אַ֣ף
anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#12
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
and Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#13
וַיַּשְׁלֵ֤ךְ
and he cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#14
מִיָּדָו֙
out of his hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
הַלֻּחֹ֔ת
the tables
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
#17
וַיְשַׁבֵּ֥ר
and brake
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#18
אֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
תַּ֥חַת
them beneath
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#20
הָהָֽר׃
the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

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 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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