Exodus 5:17

Authorized King James Version

But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֹֽמְרִ֔ים
But he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
נִרְפִּ֑ים
Ye are idle
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
#3
אַתֶּ֖ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#4
נִרְפִּ֑ים
Ye are idle
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
כֵּן֙
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#7
אַתֶּ֣ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
אֹֽמְרִ֔ים
But he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
נֵֽלְכָ֖ה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#10
נִזְבְּחָ֥ה
and do sacrifice
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#11
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
to the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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