Exodus 5:19

Authorized King James Version

And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּרְא֞וּ
did see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
שֹֽׁטְרֵ֧י
And the officers
properly, a scribe, i.e., (by analogy or implication) an official superintendent or magistrate
#3
בְנֵֽי
of 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
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
אֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
בְּרָ֣ע
that they were in evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#7
לֵאמֹ֑ר
case after it was said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תִגְרְע֥וּ
Ye shall not minish
to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold
#10
מִלִּבְנֵיכֶ֖ם
ought from your bricks
a brick (from the whiteness of the clay)
#11
דְּבַר
task
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#12
בְּיוֹמֽוֹ׃
of 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
#13
בְּיוֹמֽוֹ׃
of 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

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 divine revelation 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

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