Exodus 32:21

Authorized King James Version

And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
מֹשֶׁה֙
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
unto Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#5
מֶֽה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#6
עָשָׂ֥ה
What did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
לְךָ֖
H0
#8
הָעָ֣ם
this people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#9
הַזֶּ֑ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#10
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
הֵבֵ֥אתָ
unto thee that thou hast brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
חֲטָאָ֥ה
a sin
an offence, or a sacrifice for it
#14
גְדֹלָֽה׃
so great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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