Exodus 6:9

Authorized King James Version

And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר

H1696

spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

מֹשֶׁ֔ה

H4872

And Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

כֵּ֖ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

so unto 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָֽׁמְעוּ֙

H8085

but they hearkened

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

מֹשֶׁ֔ה

H4872

And Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#11

מִקֹּ֣צֶר

H7115

for anguish

shortness (of spirit), i.e., impatience

#12

ר֔וּחַ

H7307

of spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#13

וּמֵֽעֲבֹדָ֖ה

H5656

bondage

work of any kind

#14

קָשָֽׁה׃

H7186

and for cruel

severe (in various applications)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation 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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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People

Moses