Exodus 8:18

Authorized King James Version

And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ
did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
כֵ֨ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
הַֽחַרְטֻמִּ֧ים
And the magicians
a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)
#4
בְּלָֽטֵיהֶ֛ם
so with their enchantments
properly, covered, i.e., secret; by implication, incantation; also secrecy or (adverb) covertly
#5
לְהוֹצִ֥יא
to bring forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
הַכִּנָּ֔ם
lice
a gnat
#8
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יָכֹ֑לוּ
but they could
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#10
וַתְּהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
הַכִּנָּ֔ם
lice
a gnat
#12
בָּֽאָדָ֖ם
upon man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#13
וּבַבְּהֵמָֽה׃
and upon beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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