Exodus 5:10

Authorized King James Version

And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֨צְא֜וּ
went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
נֹֽגְשֵׂ֤י
And the taskmasters
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
#3
הָעָ֖ם
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
וְשֹׁ֣טְרָ֔יו
and their officers
properly, a scribe, i.e., (by analogy or implication) an official superintendent or magistrate
#5
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
הָעָ֖ם
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
כֹּ֚ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#10
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#12
אֵינֶ֛נִּי
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#13
נֹתֵ֥ן
I will not give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
לָכֶ֖ם
H0
#15
תֶּֽבֶן׃
you straw
properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)

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

Questions for Reflection

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