Exodus 39:23

Authorized King James Version

And there was an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְפִ֛יו
And there was an hole
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#2
הַמְּעִ֥יל
of the robe
a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)
#3
בְּתוֹכ֖וֹ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#4
לְפִ֛יו
And there was an hole
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#5
תַחְרָ֑א
of an habergeon
a linen corslet (as white or hollow)
#6
שָׂפָ֥ה
with a band
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#7
לְפִ֛יו
And there was an hole
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#8
סָבִ֖יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#9
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יִקָּרֵֽעַ׃
that it should not rend
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

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

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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