Exodus 7:9

Authorized King James Version

When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּי֩
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יְדַבֵּ֨ר
shall speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#3
אֲלֵכֶ֤ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
פַרְעֹ֖ה
Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#5
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣
for you then thou shalt say
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
תְּנ֥וּ
Shew
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
לָכֶ֖ם
H0
#8
מוֹפֵ֑ת
a miracle
a miracle; by implication, a token or omen
#9
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣
for you then thou shalt say
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
אַהֲרֹ֗ן
unto Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#12
קַ֧ח
Take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#13
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
מַטְּךָ֛
thy rod
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#15
וְהַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ
and cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#16
לִפְנֵֽי
it 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
#17
פַרְעֹ֖ה
Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#18
יְהִ֥י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#19
לְתַנִּֽין׃
and it shall become a serpent
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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