Exodus 34:26

Authorized King James Version

The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רֵאשִׁ֗ית
The first
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
#2
בִּכּוּרֵי֙
of the firstfruits
the first-fruits of the crop
#3
אַדְמָ֣תְךָ֔
of thy land
soil (from its general redness)
#4
תָּבִ֕יא
thou shalt bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#5
בֵּ֖ית
unto the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
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
#8
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תְבַשֵּׁ֥ל
Thou shalt not seethe
properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen
#10
גְּדִ֖י
a kid
a young goat (from browsing)
#11
בַּֽחֲלֵ֥ב
milk
milk (as the richness of kine)
#12
אִמּֽוֹ׃
in his mother's
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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