Exodus 4:21

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֮

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

מֹשֶׁה֒

H4872

unto Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בְּלֶכְתְּךָ֙

H1980

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

לָשׁ֣וּב

H7725

to return

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

מִצְרַ֔יְמָה

H4714

into Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

רְאֵ֗ה

H7200

see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כָּל

H3605

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

#10

הַמֹּֽפְתִים֙

H4159

all those wonders

a miracle; by implication, a token or omen

#11

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

שַׂ֣מְתִּי

H7760

which I have put

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#13

בְיָדֶ֔ךָ

H3027

in thine 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

#14

וַֽעֲשִׂיתָ֖ם

H6213

that thou do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

לִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#16

פַרְעֹ֑ה

H6547

Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

#17

וַֽאֲנִי֙

H589

#18

אֲחַזֵּ֣ק

H2388

but I will harden

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

#19

אֶת

H853

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

#20

לִבּ֔וֹ

H3820

his heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#21

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

יְשַׁלַּ֖ח

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#23

אֶת

H853

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

#24

הָעָֽם׃

H5971

that he shall not let the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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 understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

People

Moses