Exodus 37:7

Authorized King James Version

And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָשָׂ֣ה
And he made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
מִשְּׁנֵ֖י
he them on the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
כְרֻבִ֖ים
cherubims
a cherub or imaginary figure
#4
זָהָ֑ב
of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#5
מִקְשָׁה֙
beaten out of one piece
rounded work, i.e., moulded by hammering (repousse)
#6
עָשָׂ֣ה
And he made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
אֹתָ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
מִשְּׁנֵ֖י
he them on the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#9
קְצ֥וֹת
ends
a termination
#10
הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃
of the mercy seat
a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of mercy reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. 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 mercy in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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