Exodus 9:4

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children's of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִפְלָ֣ה

H6395

shall sever

to distinguish (literally or figuratively)

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

And the LORD

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

בֵּ֚ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

מִקְנֵ֣ה

H4735

and the cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּבֵ֖ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

מִקְנֵ֣ה

H4735

and the cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

מִצְרָ֑יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#10

יָמ֛וּת

H4191

die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#11

מִכָּל

H3605

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

#12

לִבְנֵ֥י

H1121

of all that is the children's

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#13

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#14

דָּבָֽר׃

H1697

and there shall nothing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

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

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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 9 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?

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