Exodus 4:20

Authorized King James Version

And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֥ח
H3947
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
H4872
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אִשְׁתּ֣וֹ
H802
his wife
a woman
#5
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
בָּנָ֗יו
H1121
and his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
וַיַּרְכִּבֵם֙
H7392
and set
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#8
עַֽל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
הַחֲמֹ֔ר
H2543
them upon an ass
a male ass (from its dun red)
#10
וַיָּ֖שָׁב
H7725
and he returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#11
אַ֣רְצָה
H776
to the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
מִצְרָ֑יִם
H4714
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#13
וַיִּקַּ֥ח
H3947
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#14
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
H4872
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#15
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
מַטֵּ֥ה
H4294
the rod
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#17
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
H430
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#18
בְּיָדֽוֹ׃
H3027
in his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

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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