Exodus 4:8

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ

H539

And it shall come to pass if they will not believe

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

לָ֔ךְ

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

יִשְׁמְע֔וּ

H8085

thee neither hearken

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לְקֹ֖ל

H6963

the voice

a voice or sound

הָאֹ֥ת

H226

sign

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

#10

הָֽרִאשׁ֑וֹן

H7223

of the first

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

#11

וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ

H539

And it shall come to pass if they will not believe

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

#12

לְקֹ֖ל

H6963

the voice

a voice or sound

#13

הָאֹ֥ת

H226

sign

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

#14

הָאַֽחֲרֽוֹן׃

H314

of the latter

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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