Exodus 4:11

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָֽה׃
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֵלָ֗יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#5
יָשׂ֣וּם
or who maketh
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#6
פֶּה֮
mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#7
לָֽאָדָם֒
man's
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#8
א֚וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#9
מִֽי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#10
יָשׂ֣וּם
or who maketh
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#11
אִלֵּ֔ם
the dumb
speechless
#12
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#13
חֵרֵ֔שׁ
or deaf
deaf (whether literally or spiritual)
#14
א֥וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#15
פִקֵּ֖חַ
or the seeing
clear-sighted; figuratively, intelligent
#16
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#17
עִוֵּ֑ר
or the blind
blind (literally or figuratively)
#18
הֲלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
אָֽנֹכִ֖י
i
#20
יְהוָֽה׃
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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