Exodus 4:23

Authorized King James Version

And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָֽאֹמַ֣ר
And I say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלֶ֗יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ
go
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
בִּנְךָ֖
thy son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
וְיַֽעַבְדֵ֔נִי
that he may serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#7
וַתְּמָאֵ֖ן
me and if thou refuse
to refuse
#8
לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ
go
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#9
הִנֵּה֙
lo!
#10
אָֽנֹכִ֣י
i
#11
הֹרֵ֔ג
behold I will slay
to smite with deadly intent
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
בִּנְךָ֖
thy son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
בְּכֹרֶֽךָ׃
even thy firstborn
first-born; hence, chief

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

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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