Exodus 5:13

Authorized King James Version

And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַנֹּֽגְשִׂ֖ים
And the taskmasters
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
#2
אָצִ֣ים
hasted
to press; (by implication) to be close, hurry, withdraw
#3
לֵאמֹ֑ר
them saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
כַּלּ֤וּ
Fulfil
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#5
מַֽעֲשֵׂיכֶם֙
your works
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#6
דְּבַר
tasks
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#7
בְּיוֹמ֔וֹ
your daily
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#8
בְּיוֹמ֔וֹ
your daily
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#9
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
בִּֽהְי֥וֹת
as when there was
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
הַתֶּֽבֶן׃
straw
properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)

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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