Exodus 32:27

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַ֤ר
H559
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לָהֶ֗ם
H0
#3
כֹּֽה
H3541
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#4
אָמַ֤ר
H559
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
יְהוָה֙
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
H430
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
שִׂ֥ימוּ
H7760
Put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#9
וְאִ֥ישׁ
H376
and every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#10
חַרְבּ֖וֹ
H2719
his sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#11
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
יְרֵכ֑וֹ
H3409
by his side
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
#13
עִבְר֨וּ
H5674
and go
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#14
וָשׁ֜וּבוּ
H7725
in and out
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#15
לָשַׁ֙עַר֙
H8179
from gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#16
לָשַׁ֙עַר֙
H8179
from gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#17
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
H4264
throughout 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
#18
וְהִרְג֧וּ
H2026
and slay
to smite with deadly intent
#19
וְאִ֥ישׁ
H376
and every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#20
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
אָחִ֛יו
H251
his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#22
וְאִ֥ישׁ
H376
and every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#23
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#24
רֵעֵ֖הוּ
H7453
his companion
an associate (more or less close)
#25
וְאִ֥ישׁ
H376
and every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#26
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#27
קְרֹבֽוֹ׃
H7138
his neighbour
near (in place, kindred or time)

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

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