Exodus 4:18

Authorized King James Version

And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
לְמֹשֶׁ֖ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
וְאָשׁ֙וּבָה֙
I pray thee and return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
יִתְר֛וֹ
And Jethro
jethro, moses' father-in-law
#6
חֹֽתְנ֗וֹ
his father in law
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
#7
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
לוֹ֙
H0
#9
אֵ֣לְכָה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#10
נָּ֗א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#11
וְאָשׁ֙וּבָה֙
I pray thee and return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
אַחַ֣י
unto my brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#14
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם
which are in Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#16
וְאֶרְאֶ֖ה
and see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#17
הַֽעוֹדָ֣ם
whether they be yet
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#18
חַיִּ֑ים
alive
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#19
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#20
יִתְר֛וֹ
And Jethro
jethro, moses' father-in-law
#21
לְמֹשֶׁ֖ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#22
לֵ֥ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#23
לְשָׁלֽוֹם׃
in peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of peace 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

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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources