Exodus 7:22

Authorized King James Version

And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ

H6213

did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֵ֛ן

H3651

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

חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י

H2748

And the magicians

a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)

מִצְרַ֖יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּלָֽטֵיהֶ֑ם

H3909

so with their enchantments

properly, covered, i.e., secret; by implication, incantation; also secrecy or (adverb) covertly

וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֤ק

H2388

was hardened

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

לֵב

H3820

heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

פַּרְעֹה֙

H6547

and Pharaoh's

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#10

שָׁמַ֣ע

H8085

neither did he hearken

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

#11

אֲלֵהֶ֔ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

דִּבֶּ֥ר

H1696

had said

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

#14

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

unto them as the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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