Exodus 9:11

Authorized King James Version

And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

יָכְל֣וּ

H3201

could

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

בַּֽחֲרְטֻמִּ֖ם

H2748

And the magicians

a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)

לַֽעֲמֹ֛ד

H5975

not stand

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

מִפְּנֵ֣י

H6440

because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מֹשֶׁ֖ה

H4872

Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

מִפְּנֵ֣י

H6440

because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַשְּׁחִ֔ין

H7822

for the boil

inflammation, i.e., an ulcer

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#10

הָיָ֣ה

H1961

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

#11

הַשְּׁחִ֔ין

H7822

for the boil

inflammation, i.e., an ulcer

#12

בַּֽחֲרְטֻמִּ֖ם

H2748

And the magicians

a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)

#13

וּבְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

מִצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

and upon all the Egyptians

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation 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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Moses