Exodus 33:22

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
עָבְרִֽי׃
I pass by
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#3
כְּבֹדִ֔י
And it shall come to pass while my glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#4
וְשַׂמְתִּ֖יךָ
that I will put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#5
בְּנִקְרַ֣ת
thee in a clift
a fissure
#6
הַצּ֑וּר
of the rock
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
#7
וְשַׂכֹּתִ֥י
and will cover
properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect
#8
כַפִּ֛י
thee with my hand
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#9
עָלֶ֖יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
עַד
while
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#11
עָבְרִֽי׃
I pass by
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

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 glory 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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