Exodus 32:34

Authorized King James Version

Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֞ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
לֵ֣ךְ׀
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
נְחֵ֣ה
lead
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הָעָ֗ם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
אֶ֤ל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
דִּבַּ֙רְתִּי֙
unto the place of which I have spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#9
לָ֔ךְ
H0
#10
הִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#11
מַלְאָכִ֖י
unto thee behold mine Angel
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#12
יֵלֵ֣ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
לְפָנֶ֑יךָ
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#14
וּבְי֣וֹם
thee nevertheless in the 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
#15
וּפָֽקַדְתִּ֥י
I will visit
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#16
וּפָֽקַדְתִּ֥י
I will visit
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#17
עֲלֵהֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
חַטָּאתָֽם׃
their sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

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

Questions for Reflection

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