Exodus 4:19

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁה֙

H4872

unto Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בְּמִדְיָ֔ן

H4080

in Midian

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

לֵ֖ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

שֻׁ֣ב

H7725

return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מִצְרָ֑יִם

H4714

into Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

מֵ֙תוּ֙

H4191

are dead

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים

H582

for all the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#13

הַֽמְבַקְשִׁ֖ים

H1245

which sought

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#14

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃

H5315

thy life

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

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

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on life address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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

People

Moses