Exodus 6:4

Authorized King James Version

And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְגַ֨ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
הֲקִמֹ֤תִי
And I have also established
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
בְּרִיתִי֙
my covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#5
אִתָּ֔ם
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#6
לָתֵ֥ת
with them to give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אֶ֥רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
כְּנָ֑עַן
of Canaan
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him
#11
אֵ֛ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
אֶ֥רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
מְגֻֽרֵיהֶ֖ם
of their pilgrimage
a temporary abode; by extension, a permanent residence
#14
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
גָּ֥רוּ
wherein they were strangers
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
#16
בָֽהּ׃
H0

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing covenant contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 covenant 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 in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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