Exodus 40:36

Authorized King James Version

And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְהֵֽעָל֤וֹת
was taken up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#2
הֶֽעָנָן֙
And when the cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#3
מֵעַ֣ל
from
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
over the tabernacle
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
#5
יִסְע֖וּ
went onward
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#6
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
בְּכֹ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
מַסְעֵיהֶֽם׃
in all their journeys
a departure (from striking the tents), i.e., march (not necessarily a single day's travel); by implication, a station (or point of departure)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources