Exodus 8:22

Authorized King James Version

And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִפְלֵיתִי֩

H6395

And I will sever

to distinguish (literally or figuratively)

בַיּ֨וֹם

H3117

in that day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֜וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֶת

H853

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

גֹּ֗שֶׁן

H1657

of Goshen

goshen, the residence of the israelites in egypt; also a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַמִּי֙

H5971

in which my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עֹמֵ֣ד

H5975

dwell

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#10

עָלֶ֔יהָ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

לְבִלְתִּ֥י

H1115

that no

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#12

הֱיֽוֹת

H1961

of flies shall be

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

#13

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#14

עָרֹ֑ב

H6157

swarms

a mosquito (from its swarming)

#15

לְמַ֣עַן

H4616

there to the end

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#16

תֵּדַ֔ע

H3045

thou mayest know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#17

כִּ֛י

H3588

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

#18

אֲנִ֥י

H589

#19

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

that I am the LORD

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

#20

בְּקֶ֥רֶב

H7130

in the midst

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

#21

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 sovereignty 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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