Exodus 5:4

Authorized King James Version

And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵהֶם֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
מֶ֣לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#4
מִצְרַ֔יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#5
לָ֚מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#6
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
unto them Wherefore do ye Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#7
וְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ן
and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#8
תַּפְרִ֥יעוּ
let
to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הָעָ֖ם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
מִמַּֽעֲשָׂ֑יו
from their works
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#12
לְכ֖וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
לְסִבְלֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃
you unto your burdens
porterage

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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources