Exodus 6:5

Authorized King James Version

And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְגַ֣ם׀
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אֲנִ֣י
i
#3
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
And I have also heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#4
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
נַאֲקַת֙
the groaning
a groan
#6
בְּנֵ֣י
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
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
whom
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
מִצְרַ֖יִם
the Egyptians
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#10
מַֽעֲבִדִ֣ים
keep in bondage
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#11
אֹתָ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
וָֽאֶזְכֹּ֖ר
and I have remembered
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
בְּרִיתִֽי׃
my covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Exodus. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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