Exodus 4:15

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְדִבַּרְתָּ֣
And thou shalt speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
וְשַׂמְתָּ֥
unto him and put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים
words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#6
פִּ֔יהוּ
and I will be with thy mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#7
וְאָֽנֹכִ֗י
i
#8
אֶֽהְיֶ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#10
פִּ֔יהוּ
and I will be with thy mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#11
וְעִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#12
פִּ֔יהוּ
and I will be with thy mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#13
וְהֽוֹרֵיתִ֣י
and will teach
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
#14
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
תַּֽעֲשֽׂוּן׃
you what ye shall do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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

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

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