Exodus 33:4

Authorized King James Version

And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע
heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
הָעָ֗ם
And when the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַדָּבָ֥ר
tidings
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
הָרָ֛ע
these evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#6
הַזֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#7
וַיִּתְאַבָּ֑לוּ
H56
they mourned
to bewail
#8
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
שָׁ֛תוּ
did put
to place (in a very wide application)
#10
אִ֥ישׁ
and no 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)
#11
עֶדְי֖וֹ
on him his ornaments
finery; generally an outfit; specifically, a headstall
#12
עָלָֽיו׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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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