Exodus 5:7

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תֹֽאסִפ֞וּן
Ye shall no more
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#3
לָתֵ֨ת
give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#4
תֶּֽבֶן׃
straw
properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)
#5
לָעָ֛ם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
לִלְבֹּ֥ן
to make
to make bricks
#7
הַלְּבֵנִ֖ים
brick
a brick (from the whiteness of the clay)
#8
כִּתְמ֣וֹל
properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday
#9
שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם
as heretofore
trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday
#10
הֵ֚ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#11
יֵֽלְכ֔וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
וְקֹֽשְׁשׁ֥וּ
and gather
to forage for straw, stubble or wood; figuratively, to assemble
#13
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#14
תֶּֽבֶן׃
straw
properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)

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

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