Exodus 34:10

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#3
אָֽנֹכִי֮
i
#4
כֹּרֵ֣ת
Behold I make
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#5
בְּרִית֒
a covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#6
נֶ֤גֶד
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#7
כָּֽל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הָ֠עָם
and all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#9
עֹשֶׂ֥ה
I will do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
נִפְלָאֹ֔ת
marvels
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
#11
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
נִבְרְא֥וּ
such as have not been done
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
#14
בְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
הָאָ֖רֶץ
in all the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#16
וּבְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
הַגּוֹיִ֑ם
nor in any nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#18
וְרָאָ֣ה
which thou art shall see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#19
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#20
הָ֠עָם
and all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#21
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#22
אַתָּ֨ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#23
בְקִרְבּ֜וֹ
among
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#24
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#25
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֤ה
the work
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#26
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#27
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#28
נוֹרָ֣א
for it is a terrible thing
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#29
ה֔וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#30
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#31
אֲנִ֖י
i
#32
עֹשֶׂ֥ה
I will do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#33
עִמָּֽךְ׃
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 covenant 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 in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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