Exodus 7:10

Authorized King James Version

And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֨א
went in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
אַֽהֲרֹ֜ן
and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
פַרְעֹ֛ה
Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#6
וַיַּ֣עַשׂוּ
and they did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
כֵ֔ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#8
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
צִוָּ֣ה
had commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#10
יְהוָ֑ה
so as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
וַיַּשְׁלֵ֨ךְ
cast down
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#12
אַֽהֲרֹ֜ן
and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
מַטֵּ֗הוּ
his rod
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#15
וְלִפְנֵ֥י
and before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#16
פַרְעֹ֛ה
Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#17
וְלִפְנֵ֥י
and before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#18
עֲבָדָ֖יו
his servants
a servant
#19
וַיְהִ֥י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#20
לְתַנִּֽין׃
and it became a serpent
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

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

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