Exodus 40:3

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשַׂמְתָּ֣
And thou shalt put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#2
שָׁ֔ם
therein
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#3
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הָֽאָרֹ֖ן
the ark
a box
#5
הָֽעֵד֑וּת
of the testimony
testimony
#6
וְסַכֹּתָ֥
and cover
properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
הָֽאָרֹ֖ן
the ark
a box
#9
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#10
הַפָּרֹֽכֶת׃
with the vail
a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

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 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

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