Exodus 8:15

But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֣רְא

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

פַּרְעֹ֗ה

H6547

But when Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

הָֽיְתָה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הָֽרְוָחָ֔ה

H7309

that there was respite

relief

וְהַכְבֵּד֙

H3513

he hardened

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לִבּ֔וֹ

H3820

his heart

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

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#10

שָׁמַ֖ע

H8085

and hearkened

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

#11

אֲלֵהֶ֑ם

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

not unto them as the LORD

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

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