Exodus 9:3

Authorized King James Version

Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֨ה
lo!
#2
יַד
Behold the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#3
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
הוֹיָ֗ה
is
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
בְּמִקְנְךָ֙
upon thy cattle
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
#6
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה
which is in the field
a field (as flat)
#8
בַּסּוּסִ֤ים
upon the horses
a horse (as leaping)
#9
בַּֽחֲמֹרִים֙
upon the asses
a male ass (from its dun red)
#10
בַּגְּמַלִּ֔ים
upon the camels
a camel
#11
בַּבָּקָ֖ר
upon the oxen
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#12
וּבַצֹּ֑אן
and upon the sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#13
דֶּ֖בֶר
murrain
a pestilence
#14
כָּבֵ֥ד
grievous
heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)
#15
מְאֹֽד׃
there shall be a very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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