Exodus 4:25

Authorized King James Version

Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתִּקַּ֨ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

צִפֹּרָ֜ה

H6855

Then Zipporah

tsipporah, moses wife

צֹ֗ר

H6864

a sharp stone

a stone (as if pressed hard or to a point); (by implication, of use) a knife

וַתִּכְרֹת֙

H3772

and cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת

H853

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

עָרְלַ֣ת

H6190

the foreskin

the prepuce

בְּנָ֔הּ

H1121

of her 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

וַתַּגַּ֖ע

H5060

and cast

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

לְרַגְלָ֑יו

H7272

it at his feet

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

#10

וַתֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

כִּ֧י

H3588

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

#12

חֲתַן

H2860

husband

a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)

#13

דָּמִ֛ים

H1818

Surely a bloody

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

#14

אַתָּ֖ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#15

לִֽי׃

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

Related Resources

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People

Moses