Exodus 33:3

Authorized King James Version

Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֛רֶץ

H776

Unto a land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

זָבַ֥ת

H2100

flowing

to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow

חָלָ֖ב

H2461

with milk

milk (as the richness of kine)

וּדְבָ֑שׁ

H1706

and honey

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

כִּי֩

H3588

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

לֹ֨א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶֽעֱלֶ֜ה

H5927

for I will not go up

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

בְּקִרְבְּךָ֗

H7130

in the midst

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

#10

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#11

עַם

H5971

people

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

#12

קְשֵׁה

H7186

of thee for thou art a stiffnecked

severe (in various applications)

#13

עֹ֙רֶף֙

H6203

the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)

#14

אַ֔תָּה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#15

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

#16

אֲכֶלְךָ֖

H3615

lest I consume

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

#17

בַּדָּֽרֶךְ׃

H1870

thee in the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

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

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 33 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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