Exodus 8:2

Authorized King James Version

And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
מָאֵ֥ן
And if thou refuse
unwilling
#3
אַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#4
לְשַׁלֵּ֑חַ
to let them go
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#5
הִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#6
אָֽנֹכִ֗י
i
#7
נֹגֵ֛ף
behold I will smite
to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
גְּבֽוּלְךָ֖
all thy borders
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#11
בַּֽצְפַרְדְּעִֽים׃
with frogs
a marsh-leaper, i.e., frog

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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