Exodus 9:8

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָה֮
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
and let Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
וְאֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
אַהֲרֹן֒
and unto Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#7
קְח֤וּ
Take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#8
לָכֶם֙
H0
#9
מְלֹ֣א
fulness (literally or figuratively)
#10
חָפְנֵיכֶ֔ם
to you handfuls
a fist (only in the dual)
#11
פִּ֖יחַ
of ashes
a powder (as easily puffed away), i.e., ashes or dust
#12
כִּבְשָׁ֑ן
of the furnace
a smelting furnace (as reducing metals)
#13
וּזְרָק֥וֹ
sprinkle
to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)
#14
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
and let Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#15
הַשָּׁמַ֖יְמָה
it toward the heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#16
לְעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#17
פַרְעֹֽה׃
of Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources