Exodus 9:21

Authorized King James Version

And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
שָׂ֛ם
And he that regarded
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#4
לִבּ֖וֹ
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
דְּבַ֣ר
not the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#7
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
וַֽיַּעֲזֹ֛ב
left
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
עֲבָדָ֥יו
his servants
a servant
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
מִקְנֵ֖הוּ
and his cattle
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
#13
בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃
in the field
a field (as flat)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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