Exodus 4:1

Authorized King James Version

And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֤עַן
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
מֹשֶׁה֙
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
יֹֽאמְר֔וּ
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
וְהֵן֙
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#5
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ
But behold they will not believe
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
#7
לִ֔י
H0
#8
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יִשְׁמְע֖וּ
me nor hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#10
בְּקֹלִ֑י
unto my voice
a voice or sound
#11
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
יֹֽאמְר֔וּ
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
נִרְאָ֥ה
hath not appeared
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#15
אֵלֶ֖יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
יְהוָֽה׃
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources