Exodus 5:21

Authorized King James Version

And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמְר֣וּ
And they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
יֵ֧רֶא
look
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
יְהוָ֛ה
unto them The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
וְיִשְׁפֹּ֑ט
upon you and judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#7
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
הִבְאַשְׁתֶּ֣ם
to be abhorred
to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
רֵיחֵ֗נוּ
because ye have made our savour
odor (as if blown)
#11
וּבְעֵינֵ֣י
and in the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#12
פַרְעֹה֙
of Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#13
וּבְעֵינֵ֣י
and in the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#14
עֲבָדָ֔יו
of his servants
a servant
#15
לָֽתֶת
to put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#16
חֶ֥רֶב
a sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#17
בְּיָדָ֖ם
in their hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#18
לְהָרְגֵֽנוּ׃
to slay
to smite with deadly intent

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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