Exodus 32:7

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר

H1696

said

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

And the LORD

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֑ה

H4872

unto Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

רֵ֕ד

H3381

get thee down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

כִּ֚י

H3588

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

שִׁחֵ֣ת

H7843

have corrupted

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

עַמְּךָ֔

H5971

for thy people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#10

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

הֶֽעֱלֵ֖יתָ

H5927

which thou broughtest

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#12

מֵאֶ֥רֶץ

H776

out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

מִצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Moses