Exodus 37:1

Authorized King James Version

And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ
made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
בְּצַלְאֵ֛ל
And Bezaleel
betsalel, the name of two israelites
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הָֽאָרֹ֖ן
the ark
a box
#5
עֲצֵ֣י
wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#6
שִׁטִּ֑ים
of shittim
the acacia (from its scourging thorns)
#7
וְאַמָּ֥ה
of it and a cubit
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#8
וָחֵ֖צִי
and a half
the half or middle
#9
אָרְכּ֗וֹ
was the length
length
#10
וְאַמָּ֥ה
of it and a cubit
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#11
וָחֵ֖צִי
and a half
the half or middle
#12
רָחְבּ֔וֹ
the breadth
width (literally or figuratively)
#13
וְאַמָּ֥ה
of it and a cubit
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#14
וָחֵ֖צִי
and a half
the half or middle
#15
קֹֽמָתֽוֹ׃
the height
height

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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