Exodus 34:3

Authorized King James Version

And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

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)

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יַעֲלֶ֣ה

H5927

shall come up

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

עִמָּ֔ךְ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

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)

אַל

H408

with thee neither

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יֵרָ֖א

H7200

be seen

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

הָהָ֥ר

H2022

that mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#11

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#12

הַצֹּ֤אן

H6629

neither let the flocks

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#13

וְהַבָּקָר֙

H1241

nor herds

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

#14

אַל

H408

with thee neither

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#15

יִרְע֔וּ

H7462

feed

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

#16

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#17

מ֖וּל

H4136

before

properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite

#18

הָהָ֥ר

H2022

that mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#19

הַהֽוּא׃

H1931

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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