Exodus 7:11

Authorized King James Version

Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרָא֙
also called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#3
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
Then Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#4
לַֽחֲכָמִ֖ים
the wise men
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#5
וְלַֽמְכַשְּׁפִ֑ים
and the sorcerers
properly, to whisper a spell, i.e., to inchant or practise magic
#6
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֨וּ
they also did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
גַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#8
הֵ֜ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#9
חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י
now the magicians
a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)
#10
מִצְרַ֛יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#11
בְּלַֽהֲטֵיהֶ֖ם
with their enchantments
a blaze; also (from the idea of enwrapping) magic (as covert)
#12
כֵּֽן׃
in like manner
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

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

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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