Exodus 9:24

Authorized King James Version

So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֣י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הַבָּרָ֑ד
So there was hail
hail
#3
וְאֵ֕שׁ
and fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#4
מִתְלַקַּ֖חַת
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#5
בְּת֣וֹךְ
mingled
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#6
הַבָּרָ֑ד
So there was hail
hail
#7
כָּבֵ֣ד
grievous
heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)
#8
מְאֹ֔ד
very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#9
אֲ֠שֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
לֹֽא
such as there was none
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
הָיָ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
כָמֹ֙הוּ֙
as, thus, so
#13
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
אֶ֣רֶץ
like it in all the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#15
מִצְרַ֔יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#16
מֵאָ֖ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#17
הָֽיְתָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#18
לְגֽוֹי׃
since it became a nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of covenant community 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

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