Exodus 4:26

Authorized King James Version

So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּ֖רֶף
So he let him go
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
#2
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#3
אָ֚ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#4
אָֽמְרָ֔ה
then she said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
חֲתַ֥ן
husband
a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)
#6
דָּמִ֖ים
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
#7
לַמּוּלֹֽת׃
thou art because of the circumcision
circumcision

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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