Exodus 34:15

Authorized King James Version

Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;

Word-by-Word Analysis

פֶּן

H6435

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

תִּכְרֹ֥ת

H3772

Lest thou 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

בְּרִ֖ית

H1285

a covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

לְיוֹשֵׁ֣ב

H3427

with the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְזָנ֣וּ׀

H2181

and they go a whoring

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם

H430

their gods

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְזָֽבְחוּ֙

H2076

and do sacrifice

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

#10

לֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם

H430

their gods

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#11

וְקָרָ֣א

H7121

and one call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#12

לְךָ֔

#13

וְאָֽכַלְתָּ֖

H398

thee and thou eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#14

מִזִּבְחֽוֹ׃

H2077

of his sacrifice

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the covenant 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 covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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