Exodus 34:30

Authorized King James Version

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֨רְא
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
אַֽהֲרֹ֜ן
And when Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#3
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
בְּנֵ֤י
and all the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#8
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#9
קָרַ֖ן
shone
to shoot out horns; figuratively, rays
#10
ע֣וֹר
behold the skin
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#11
פָּנָ֑יו
of his face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#12
וַיִּֽירְא֖וּ
and they were afraid
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#13
מִגֶּ֥שֶׁת
to come nigh
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#14
אֵלָֽיו׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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