Exodus 34:33

Authorized King James Version

And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְכַ֣ל
had done
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
And till Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
מִדַּבֵּ֖ר
speaking
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#4
אִתָּ֑ם
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#5
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
with them he put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
פָּנָ֖יו
on 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
#8
מַסְוֶֽה׃
a vail
a veil

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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