Exodus 7:24

Authorized King James Version

And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּחְפְּר֧וּ

H2658

digged

properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִצְרַ֛יִם

H4714

And all the Egyptians

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

סְבִיבֹ֥ת

H5439

round about

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

הַיְאֹֽר׃

H2975

of the river

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

מִמֵּימֵ֖י

H4325

for water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

לִשְׁתֹּ֔ת

H8354

not drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

#10

יָֽכְלוּ֙

H3201

for they could

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#11

לִשְׁתֹּ֔ת

H8354

not drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#12

מִמֵּימֵ֖י

H4325

for water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#13

הַיְאֹֽר׃

H2975

of the river

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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