1
Καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν λέγων·
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
The standard LXX divine-speech formula Καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν λέγων directly calques the Hebrew וַיְדַבֵּר יהוה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר; the aorist ἐλάλησεν inaugurates a new divine instruction that sets the scene for the entire sea-crossing episode.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
Καὶandnarrative conjunction (Hebraizing καί-parataxis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: direct calque of Hebrew וַ, beginning a new narrative episode in the characteristic paratactic style of LXX Exodus.
ἐλάλησενspokeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαλέωmain verb (divine speech verb)→ constative aorist (inaugurating the divine address)λαλέω: 'speak, utter'; the standard verb of the Moses-speech formula in LXX Exodus; renders Hebrew Pi. of דָּבַר.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: the LXX's standard rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; anarthrous in the divine-speech formula, matching the Hebrew titular use.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
ΜωυσῆνMosesAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (indirect recipient of speech)→ object specificationΜωυσῆς: declinable Greek form of Hebrew מֹשֶׁה; accusative here, dative Μωυσῇ at 14:31.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Part Nom Sg Masc · λέγωparticiple of attendant circumstance (introducing direct speech)→ progressive (ongoing utterance)λέγω: the participle λέγων after a verb of speech calques Hebrew לֵּאמֹר, serving as a quotation marker with no independent temporal weight.
2
Λάλησον τοῖς υἱοῖς Ισραηλ καὶ ἀποστρέψαντες στρατοπεδευσάτωσαν ἀπέναντι τῆς ἐπαύλεως, ἀνὰ μέσον Μαγδώλου καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον τῆς θαλάσσης, ἐξ ἐναντίας Βεελσεπφών· ἐναντίον αὐτῶν στρατοπεδεύσεις ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης.
'Speak to the sons of Israel, and let them turn back and encamp before the courtyard, between Magdolos and between the sea, opposite Baal-Zephon; opposite them you shall encamp by the sea.'
Content of the LORD's speech: Israel is to reverse its march and camp at a site that will look to Pharaoh like a cul-de-sac. ἐπαύλεως ('courtyard, farmstead') renders Hebrew פִּי הַחִירֹת, a site not otherwise identified. Μαγδώλου (Magdolos) and Βεελσεπφών (Baal-Zephon) are geographic anchors; the choice of site is strategically designed to make Israel appear trapped (v.3).
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ΛάλησονspeakAor Act Impv 2 Sg · λαλέωmain verb (imperative, command to Moses as herald)→ ingressive aorist imperative (issue the word now)λαλέω: Moses functions as divine herald; the aorist imperative marks a single decisive speech act directed to Israel.
τοῖςtheDativearticle with dative noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῖςsonsDativedative indirect object of Λάλησον→ sphere or referenceυἱός: υἱοὶ Ισραηλ is the LXX's standard rendering of בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the covenant community.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun (genitive of definition)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable in Greek.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction linking imperatives→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀποστρέψαντεςturning backAor Act Part Nom Pl Masc · ἀποστρέφωattendant-circumstance participle (condition/manner preceding encamping)→ constative aorist (the reversal precedes the encamping)ἀποστρέφω: 'turn back, reverse course'; the reversal of Israel's march is divinely calculated to appear as strategic confusion to Pharaoh (cf. v.3 πλανῶνται).
στρατοπεδευσάτωσανlet them encampAor Act Impv 3 Pl · στρατοπεδεύωmain verb (3rd-person imperative, indirect command for Israel)→ ingressive aorist imperative (take up the camp)στρατοπεδεύω: 'pitch camp, encamp'; a military term; the 3rd-pl. imperative is classic usage for commands relayed through an intermediary.
ἀπέναντιbefore / oppositepreposition + genitive (spatial: facing toward)→ spatial or relational framingἀπέναντι: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (spatial: facing toward).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle with genitive noun→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐπαύλεωςcourtyardGenitivegenitive object of ἀπέναντι (place faced)→ relational specificationἔπαυλις: 'farmstead, enclosure, courtyard'; the LXX renders the obscure Hebrew פִּי הַחִירֹת with this term; the site is geographically unidentified in the text.
ἀνὰbetweenpreposition (distributive: ἀνὰ μέσον = 'between')→ spatial or relational framingἀνὰ: meaning 'between'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition (distributive: ἀνὰ μέσον = 'between').
μέσονmidstAccusativeaccusative with ἀνά forming idiom 'between'→ object specificationμέσος: ἀνὰ μέσον is the LXX idiom for Hebrew בֵּין, 'between.'
ΜαγδώλουMagdolosindeclinable place name (one pole of the 'between' range)→ participant identificationΜαγδώλος: transliteration of Hebrew מִגְדֹּל ('tower'); a border-garrison site known from extra-biblical sources (cf. Jer 44:1; 46:14 LXX).
ΒεελσεπφώνBaal-Zephonindeclinable place name (cultic landmark for the encampment)→ participant identificationΒεελσεπφών: transliteration of Hebrew בַּעַל צְפֹן ('Lord of the North'), a Canaanite deity's shrine used as a geographical marker; ἐξ ἐναντίας = 'opposite, across from.'
στρατοπεδεύσειςyou shall encampFut Act Indic 2 Sg · στρατοπεδεύωmain verb (2nd-sg. future as directive for Moses / Israel's position)→ futuristic future (commanding a future state)στρατοπεδεύω: repeated from the 3rd-pl. imperative above; the 2nd-sg. future may address Moses specifically as field commander of the encampment site.
3
καὶ ἐρεῖ Φαραω τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ· Οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ πλανῶνται οὗτοι ἐν τῇ γῇ· συγκέκλεικεν γὰρ αὐτοὺς ἡ ἔρημος.
'And Pharaoh will say to his people: "These sons of Israel are wandering in the land; for the wilderness has shut them in."'
The LORD grants Israel advance knowledge of Pharaoh's thinking, showing that even Pharaoh's misreading of the situation is divinely foreseen and used. πλανῶνται ('are wandering') renders Hebrew תֹּעִים, suggesting confusion and lostness. συγκέκλεικεν ('has shut in') uses the LXX perfect to emphasise the completed state of entrapment from Pharaoh's viewpoint — the wilderness has already closed the door.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (continuing divine speech)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐρεῖwill sayFut Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (predictive future: God foretells Pharaoh's speech)→ futuristic future (prediction within divine address)λέγω: future ἐρεῖ (suppletive from εἶπον); the divine prediction of Pharaoh's exact words underscores sovereign foreknowledge.
ΦαραωPharaohindeclinable proper noun (subject of ἐρεῖ)→ participant identificationΦαραω: Greek transliteration of the Egyptian title pr-ʿȝ ('great house'); indeclinable in LXX usage.
τῷtheDativearticle with dative noun→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαῷpeopleDativedative indirect object of ἐρεῖ→ sphere or referenceλαός: 'people'; here Pharaoh's own people/army, contrasting with 'the sons of Israel' as the LORD's λαός throughout Exodus.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ΟἱtheNominativearticle (opening Pharaoh's quoted speech)→ noun-phrase markingΟἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of πλανῶνται→ participant prominenceυἱοὶ: meaning 'sons'; it serves as subject of πλανῶνται.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun (defining genitive)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (defining genitive).
πλανῶνταιare wanderingPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Pl · πλανάωmain verb of Pharaoh's quoted assertion→ progressive present (ongoing disorientation)πλανάω (mid.): 'wander, go astray'; renders Hebrew תֹּעִים; Pharaoh misreads Israel's divinely directed reversal as strategic confusion — the LORD has engineered this very misreading.
οὗτοιtheseNominativeappositive demonstrative (contemptuous distance)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: the demonstrative adds contemptuous distance — 'these people,' underscoring Pharaoh's dismissiveness.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῇlandDativedative of place (locative)→ sphere or referenceγῆ: 'land'; the wilderness frontier between Egypt and Sinai, which Pharaoh perceives as a fatal cul-de-sac for Israel.
συγκέκλεικενhas shut inPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · συγκλείωmain verb of γάρ-clause (Pharaoh's explanation)→ intensive perfect (completed state: 'the wilderness has already closed the door')συγκλείω: 'shut together, hem in'; the perfect tense captures a situation now complete — Israel is already trapped in Pharaoh's assessment. The same verb appears theologically at Rom 11:32 and Gal 3:22 ('God has shut all up under sin').
γάρforexplanatory conjunction (Pharaoh's stated reason)→ discourse linkage or contrastγάρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeaccusative direct object of συγκέκλεικεν→ participant referenceαὐτοὺς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative direct object of συγκέκλεικεν.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔρημοςwildernessNominativesubject of συγκέκλεικεν→ participant prominenceἔρημος: 'wilderness, uninhabited desert'; in Exodus the ἔρημος is simultaneously the place of danger (from Pharaoh's viewpoint) and the appointed place of meeting with God (3:1, 18; 5:3).
4
καὶ ἐγὼ σκληρυνῶ τὴν καρδίαν Φαραω, καὶ καταδιώξει ὀπίσω αὐτῶν· καὶ ἐνδοξασθήσομαι ἐν Φαραω καὶ ἐν πάσῃ τῇ στρατιᾷ αὐτοῦ, καὶ γνώσονται πάντες οἱ Αἰγύπτιοι ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι κύριος. καὶ ἐποίησαν οὕτως.
'And I will harden the heart of Pharaoh, and he will pursue after them; and I will be glorified through Pharaoh and through all his army, and all the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.' And they did so.
The LORD discloses the theological goal of the trap: not mere escape for Israel but divine glorification through Pharaoh's destruction. σκληρυνῶ continues the hardening motif (cf. 4:21; 7:3; 9:12 LXX). ἐνδοξασθήσομαι ('I will be glorified') is a divine-passive future — the crossing is an act of divine self-revelation. The brief closing καὶ ἐποίησαν οὕτως ('and they did so') records Israel's compliance with the encampment order.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγὼINominativeemphatic subject pronoun (divine first-person self-assertion)→ participant referenceἐγώ: emphatic — the LORD asserts his own agency in hardening Pharaoh, preempting any ambiguity about who controls the event.
σκληρυνῶwill hardenFut Act Indic 1 Sg · σκληρύνωmain verb (divine purpose; complement of ἐγώ)→ futuristic future (certain divine action)σκληρύνω: 'harden, make stubborn'; renders Hebrew חִזַּק; a keyword of the Exodus hardening texts (4:21; 7:3; 9:12; 10:1 LXX). The theological problem of hardening versus moral responsibility is flagged at Rom 9:17–18.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle with accusative direct object→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καρδίανheartAccusativeaccusative direct object of σκληρυνῶ→ object specificationκαρδία: 'heart'; in biblical anthropology the locus of will and decision; the 'hardening of the heart' is a Hebrew idiom for obstinate refusal.
ΦαραωPharaohindeclinable proper noun (possessive genitive after καρδίαν)→ participant identificationΦαραω: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (possessive genitive after καρδίαν).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (consecutive result)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καταδιώξειwill pursueFut Act Indic 3 Sg · καταδιώκωmain verb (result of hardening)→ futuristic future (inevitable consequence)καταδιώκω: 'pursue, chase down'; intensified form of διώκω; κατά adds the sense of relentless pursuit to the end.
ὀπίσωafteradverb / improper preposition + genitive (direction of pursuit)→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: meaning 'after'; here it marks the relation signaled by adverb / improper preposition + genitive (direction of pursuit).
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of ὀπίσω→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ὀπίσω.
ἐνδοξασθήσομαιI will be glorifiedFut Pass Indic 1 Sg · ἐνδοξάζωmain verb (divine telos: glorification through judgment)→ futuristic future (divine self-revelation as goal)ἐνδοξάζω: 'be glorified in/through'; the passive with ἐν + dative marks Pharaoh as the medium of divine glory — calques Hebrew Nif. of כָּבַד.
ἐνthrough / inpreposition + dative (instrumental: sphere of glorification)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental: sphere of glorification).
ΦαραωPharaohindeclinable proper noun (dative object of ἐν)→ participant identificationΦαραω: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (dative object of ἐν).
πάσῃallDativeattributive adjective modifying στρατιᾷ→ sphere or referenceπάσῃ: meaning 'all'; it serves as attributive adjective modifying στρατιᾷ.
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στρατιᾷarmyDativedative object of ἐν (sphere of glorification)→ sphere or referenceστρατιά: 'army, military host'; the totality of Pharaoh's force will be the theatre of divine self-disclosure.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
γνώσονταιwill knowFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · γινώσκωmain verb (recognition formula: purpose of divine action)→ futuristic future (certain coming recognition)γινώσκω: the recognition formula καὶ γνώσονται … ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι κύριος is the Exodus Erkenntnisformel, the theological goal of each plague and miracle (cf. 7:17; 8:22 LXX); it recurs throughout Ezekiel.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (subject modifier: totality of Egyptians)→ attributive qualificationπάντες: meaning 'all'; it serves as attributive adjective (subject modifier: totality of Egyptians).
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγύπτιοιEgyptiansNominativesubject of γνώσονται→ participant prominenceΑἰγύπτιος: 'Egyptian'; the entire Egyptian nation — not just Pharaoh's army — is the target of this forced recognition.
ὅτιthatsubordinating conjunction (ὅτι-clause of recognition content)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγώINominativeemphatic subject of divine self-predication→ participant referenceἐγώ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as emphatic subject of divine self-predication.
εἰμιamPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίcopula (divine identity predication)→ gnomic present (eternal self-identification)εἰμί: the formula ἐγώ εἰμι κύριος renders Hebrew אֲנִי יהוה, the divine self-predication running through Exodus–Ezekiel as the fundamental revelation of identity.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativepredicate nominative (divine name in recognition formula)→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as predicate nominative (divine name in recognition formula).
ἐποίησανthey didAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ποιέωmain verb (narrator's compliance report, outside direct speech)→ constative aorist (completed act of obedience)ποιέω: the formula καὶ ἐποίησαν οὕτως closes the divine command and records compliance — a stereotyped narrative transition in LXX legal-narrative contexts (cf. Exod 7:6; 12:28, 50).
οὕτωςsoadverb (manner: 'in this way / accordingly')→ adverbial qualificationοὕτως: meaning 'so'; it shapes time, manner, location, or discourse flow in the clause.
5
καὶ ἀνηγγέλη τῷ βασιλεῖ τῶν Αἰγυπτίων ὅτι πέφευγεν ὁ λαός· καὶ μετεστράφη ἡ καρδία Φαραω καὶ τῶν θεραπόντων αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τὸν λαόν, καὶ εἶπαν· Τί τοῦτο ἐποιήσαμεν τοῦ ἐξαποστεῖλαι τοὺς υἱοὺς Ισραηλ ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου;
And it was reported to the king of the Egyptians that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants turned against the people, and they said, 'Why did we do this — to release the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt?'
The narrative shifts to Egypt: ἀνηγγέλη (divine passive or impersonal passive) marks the intelligence report arriving at Pharaoh's court. μετεστράφη ('turned') renders the Hebrew נֶהְפַּךְ and signals the psychological reversal that propels the pursuit. The rhetorical question Τί τοῦτο ἐποιήσαμεν expresses regret mixed with outrage — the loss of Israel's labour-force striking home.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (scene change to Egypt)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνηγγέληit was reportedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀναγγέλλωmain verb (impersonal passive: intelligence received at court)→ constative aorist (completed act of reporting)ἀναγγέλλω: 'report, announce, bring news'; the passive frames the information as arriving at court; the agent (informants, scouts) is not specified.
τῷtheDativearticle with dative noun→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλεῖkingDativedative indirect object of ἀνηγγέλη (recipient of report)→ sphere or referenceβασιλεύς: 'king'; Pharaoh is here named by title rather than personal name — the universal royal designation heightening the confrontation between the LORD and the world's greatest monarch.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle with genitive noun→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίωνEgyptiansGenitivegenitive of relationship (king over Egyptians)→ relational specificationΑἰγυπτίων: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as genitive of relationship (king over Egyptians).
ὅτιthatsubordinating conjunction (ὅτι introducing indirect statement)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πέφευγενhad fledPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · φεύγωmain verb of ὅτι-clause (the content of the report)→ intensive perfect (resultant state: 'Israel is now gone')φεύγω: 'flee, escape'; the perfect πέφευγεν conveys the completed and now irreversible departure — the people are simply gone.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαόςpeopleNominativesubject of πέφευγεν→ participant prominenceλαός: 'the people'; refers to Israel, though from Pharaoh's perspective they are his work-force and property.
μετεστράφηturnedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · μεταστρέφωmain verb (psychological reversal of Pharaoh and servants)→ ingressive aorist (onset of the turn of heart)μεταστρέφω (pass.): 'turn, be turned'; renders Hebrew נֶהְפַּךְ; the verb signals a total reversal of Pharaoh's prior willingness to release Israel — now reframed as catastrophic error.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καρδίαheartNominativesubject of μετεστράφη→ participant prominenceκαρδία: 'heart'; the seat of decision; the turning of the heart is a key motif in Exodus (cf. 14:4, 8, 17) — here not divinely induced but a natural human response to the news.
ΦαραωPharaohindeclinable proper noun (genitive of possession: whose heart)→ participant identificationΦαραω: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (genitive of possession: whose heart).
θεραπόντωνservantsGenitivegenitive coordinate with Φαραω (second subject of μετεστράφη)→ relational specificationθεράπων: 'servant, attendant'; renders Hebrew עֶבֶד (servant/official); θεράπων is the word applied to Moses in 14:31, there marking faithful relationship, here marking royal retainers.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (qualifying servants)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (qualifying servants).
ἐποιήσαμενdid we doAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ποιέωmain verb of rhetorical question (self-reproach)→ constative aorist (the act viewed as a whole in retrospect)ποιέω: 'do'; the rhetorical question Τί τοῦτο ἐποιήσαμεν ('why did we do this?') is a classic expression of regret over an irreversible act.
ἐξαποστεῖλαιto releaseAor Act Inf · ἐξαποστέλλωarticular infinitive (genitive τοῦ expressing purpose/result: 'resulting in releasing')→ constative aorist (the single act of release)ἐξαποστέλλω: 'send away, release, dismiss'; the compound verb with ἐξ- underscores the finality of the sending — Pharaoh consented to Israel's complete departure.
6
καὶ ἔζευξεν Φαραω τὰ ἅρματα αὐτοῦ καὶ πάντα τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἀνέλαβεν μεθ᾿ ἑαυτοῦ·
And Pharaoh hitched his chariots and took all his people with him,
Two rapid aorists mark Pharaoh's personal mobilisation: ἔζευξεν ('hitched', of yoking horses to chariots) and ἀνέλαβεν ('took up / took with him'). The verse is paratactic and laconic, conveying urgency. πάντα τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ('all his people') signals a total military mobilisation, not merely a chariot corps.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (rapid consecutive action)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔζευξενhitchedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ζεύγνυμιmain verb (Pharaoh's first action: yoking horses)→ constative aorist (single decisive act of harnessing)ζεύγνυμι: 'yoke, hitch'; the technical verb for attaching horses to a chariot; the image of Pharaoh personally 'hitching' evokes royal urgency and wrath.
ΦαραωPharaohindeclinable proper noun (subject)→ participant identificationΦαραω: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (subject).
τὰtheAccusativearticle with accusative direct object→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἅρματαchariotsAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἔζευξεν→ object specificationἅρμα: 'chariot, war-chariot'; the plural ἅρματα refers to Pharaoh's chariot force, the premier military technology of Late Bronze Age Egypt.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (total mobilisation)→ object specificationπάντα: meaning 'all'; it serves as attributive adjective (total mobilisation).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαὸνpeopleAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἀνέλαβεν→ object specificationλαός: here Pharaoh's military force, the full Egyptian army, not just the chariot squadron.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἀνέλαβενtookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναλαμβάνωmain verb (second action: mustering the troops)→ constative aoristἀναλαμβάνω: 'take up, take with oneself'; the verb here means to muster or take along; renders Hebrew לָקַח.
μεθ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingμεθ᾿: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment).
ἑαυτοῦhimselfGenitivereflexive pronoun (genitive of accompaniment: with himself / personally)→ relational specificationἑαυτοῦ: reflexive 3rd person; μεθ᾿ ἑαυτοῦ emphasises Pharaoh's personal command — this is his own campaign.
7
καὶ λαβὼν ἑξακόσια ἅρματα ἐκλεκτὰ καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν ἵππον τῶν Αἰγυπτίων καὶ τριστάτας ἐπὶ πάντων.
taking six hundred chosen chariots and all the cavalry of the Egyptians and commanders over all of them.
The verse specifies the composition of Pharaoh's force: ἑξακόσια ἅρματα ἐκλεκτά ('six hundred chosen chariots') is a specific military figure corresponding to Late Bronze Age chariot warfare; the number underlines Egypt's overwhelming superiority in materiel. τριστάτας (officers/commanders, lit. 'third-men on the chariot') is a rare technical military term rendering Hebrew שָׁלִישִׁים.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (elaborating the force composition)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λαβὼνtakingAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · λαμβάνωattendant-circumstance participle (elaborating v.6 ἀνέλαβεν)→ constative aorist (comprehensive act of mustering)λαμβάνω: 'take'; the participle elaborates the mobilisation by listing what was taken; effectively a military inventory.
ἑξακόσιαsix hundredAccusativenumeral adjective modifying ἅρματα→ object specificationἑξακόσια: '600'; the specific number of chosen chariots reflects the historical military capacity of the Egyptian chariotry; the figure emphasises the impossibility of human escape.
ἅρματαchariotsAccusativeaccusative direct object of λαβών→ object specificationἅρμα: see v.6; the ἅρματα ἐκλεκτά ('chosen/select chariots') are the elite chariot corps, rendered from Hebrew מִבְחַר רֶכֶב.
ἐκλεκτὰchosenAccusativeattributive adjective (qualifying ἅρματα: the elite corps)→ object specificationἐκλεκτός: 'chosen, select, elite'; renders Hebrew מִבְחַר, 'the pick of'; a military superlative — these are Egypt's finest chariot-teams.
πᾶσανallAccusativeattributive adjective (total cavalry)→ object specificationπᾶσαν: meaning 'all'; it serves as attributive adjective (total cavalry).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἵππονcavalryAccusativeaccusative direct object coordinate with ἅρματα→ object specificationἵππος: 'horse'; collective singular τὴν ἵππον = 'the cavalry / horse-force'; renders Hebrew הַפָּרָשִׁים (horsemen/cavalry).
τῶνof theGenitivearticle with genitive noun→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίωνEgyptiansGenitivegenitive of origin / possession (Egypt's cavalry)→ relational specificationΑἰγυπτίων: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as genitive of origin / possession (Egypt's cavalry).
τριστάταςcommandersAccusativeaccusative direct object coordinate (third category of force)→ object specificationτριστάτης: 'third man on the chariot, chariot officer, commander'; a technical military term rendering Hebrew שָׁלִישׁ ('third man/officer'); rare in LXX outside Exodus; the officers who would have directed the chariot charge.
ἐπὶoverpreposition + genitive (authority: 'in command over')→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (authority: 'in command over').
πάντωνallGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί (over all the forces)→ relational specificationπάντων: meaning 'all'; it serves as genitive object of ἐπί (over all the forces).
8
καὶ ἐσκλήρυνεν κύριος τὴν καρδίαν Φαραω βασιλέως Αἰγύπτου, καὶ κατεδίωξεν ὀπίσω τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ· οἱ δὲ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ἐξεπορεύοντο ἐν χειρὶ ὑψηλῇ.
And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the sons of Israel; but the sons of Israel were going out with a high hand.
The LORD's prediction of vv.3–4 is now narrated as fulfilled: ἐσκλήρυνεν ('hardened') matches σκληρυνῶ ('I will harden', v.4). The contrastive δέ sets the two columns in sharp relief — Pharaoh pursuing and Israel marching out ἐν χειρὶ ὑψηλῇ ('with a high hand'). This Hebraism (Hebrew בְּיָד רָמָה, 'with a raised/exalted hand') connotes bold defiance and divine empowerment; it will echo in NT language of confident exodus (Heb 11:28–29).
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐσκλήρυνενhardenedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · σκληρύνωmain verb (divine hardening: fulfilment of v.4 prediction)→ constative aorist (completed divine act)σκληρύνω: fulfils the divine prediction of v.4; the aorist now reports as accomplished what was announced as future — the narrative confirmation of divine foreknowledge and control.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject (divine agent of hardening)→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject (divine agent of hardening).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καρδίανheartAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἐσκλήρυνεν→ object specificationκαρδίαν: meaning 'heart'; it serves as accusative direct object of ἐσκλήρυνεν.
ΦαραωPharaohindeclinable proper noun (genitive of possession: Pharaoh's heart)→ participant identificationΦαραω: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (genitive of possession: Pharaoh's heart).
βασιλέωςkingGenitivegenitive in apposition to Φαραω (royal title)→ relational specificationβασιλέως: meaning 'king'; it serves as genitive in apposition to Φαραω (royal title).
Αἰγύπτουof EgyptGenitivegenitive of realm (king over Egypt)→ relational specificationΑἴγυπτος: 'Egypt'; the full title βασιλεὺς Αἰγύπτου here contrasts with the simple Φαραω earlier, heightening the majesty of the one being overthrown.
κατεδίωξενpursuedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · καταδιώκωmain verb (result of hardening: Pharaoh's pursuit)→ constative aorist (completed pursuit action)καταδιώκω: 'pursue relentlessly'; fulfils the prediction of v.4 καταδιώξει — the same verb, now aorist.
ὀπίσωafteradverb / improper preposition (direction of pursuit)→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: meaning 'after'; here it marks the relation signaled by adverb / improper preposition (direction of pursuit).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle with genitive noun→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive object of ὀπίσω→ relational specificationυἱῶν: meaning 'sons'; it serves as genitive object of ὀπίσω.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun (genitive of definition)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (genitive of definition).
οἱtheNominativearticle (subject of contrastive clause)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲbutadversative postpositive conjunction (contrast: Egypt vs. Israel)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἐξεπορεύοντο→ participant prominenceυἱοὶ: meaning 'sons'; it serves as subject of ἐξεπορεύοντο.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun.
ἐξεπορεύοντοwere going outImpf Mid/Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἐκπορεύομαιmain verb (durative imperfect: Israel's ongoing march out)→ progressive imperfect (continuous action simultaneous with pursuit)ἐκπορεύομαι: 'go out, march out'; the imperfect contrasts with the aorists of Pharaoh's pursuit — Israel is in ongoing exodus while Egypt mobilises.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrumental / manner)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental / manner).
χειρὶhandDativedative of manner (part of Hebraism ἐν χειρὶ ὑψηλῇ)→ sphere or referenceχείρ: 'hand'; ἐν χειρὶ ὑψηλῇ is a Hebraism (בְּיָד רָמָה, 'with a raised hand') meaning bold, defiant, divinely empowered departure — the opposite of a shameful flight.
ὑψηλῇhigh / raisedDativeattributive adjective modifying χειρί→ sphere or referenceὑψηλός: 'high, exalted'; in the Hebraism ἐν χειρὶ ὑψηλῇ the word connotes defiant confidence; the phrase appears at Num 33:3 LXX and stands behind Heb 11:27–29 as Israel's posture of faith-courage in the exodus.
9
καὶ κατεδίωξαν οἱ Αἰγύπτιοι ὀπίσω αὐτῶν καὶ εὗρον αὐτοὺς παρεμβεβληκότας παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν, πᾶσα ἡ ἵππος καὶ τὰ ἅρματα Φαραω καὶ οἱ ἱππεῖς καὶ ἡ στρατιὰ αὐτοῦ, ἀπέναντι τῆς ἐπαύλεως, ἐξ ἐναντίας Βεελσεπφών.
And the Egyptians pursued after them and found them encamped by the sea — all the cavalry and the chariots of Pharaoh and his horsemen and his army — opposite the courtyard, facing Baal-Zephon.
The Egyptian army catches Israel at the exact location specified in the divine command (v.2 — ἐπαύλεως, Βεελσεπφών recur verbatim). παρεμβεβληκότας ('having encamped') is a perfect participle, stressing the completed, settled state of Israel's camp — they are not fleeing but encamped, as ordered. The full military inventory (ἵππος, ἅρματα, ἱππεῖς, στρατιά) repeats and amplifies vv.6–7, creating a sense of overwhelming force.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κατεδίωξανpursuedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · καταδιώκωmain verb (the army's relentless chase)→ constative aoristκαταδιώκω: plural subject — the entire Egyptian army pursues; the intensified form matches the inevitability of v.4's prediction.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγύπτιοιEgyptiansNominativesubject of κατεδίωξαν→ participant prominenceΑἰγύπτιοι: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as subject of κατεδίωξαν.
ὀπίσωafteradverb / improper preposition + genitive→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: meaning 'after'; here it marks the relation signaled by adverb / improper preposition + genitive.
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of ὀπίσω→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ὀπίσω.
εὗρονfoundAor Act Indic 3 Pl · εὑρίσκωmain verb (discovery of Israel at the sea)→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: 'find, come upon'; the Egyptians catch Israel in the exact trap the LORD designed — the term implies not chance discovery but the fulfilment of a plan.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeaccusative direct object of εὗρον→ participant referenceαὐτοὺς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative direct object of εὗρον.
παρεμβεβληκόταςencampedPerf Act Part Acc Pl Masc · παρεμβάλλωaccusative participle in indirect discourse (object complement: 'found them [having] encamped')→ intensive perfect (completed, settled state of encampment)παρεμβάλλω: 'encamp, pitch camp'; the perfect participle emphasises that Israel is not in flight but settled — exactly as commanded in v.2.
παρὰbypreposition + accusative (spatial: beside the sea)→ spatial or relational framingπαρὰ: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (spatial: beside the sea).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θάλασσανseaAccusativeaccusative object of παρά (beside the sea)→ object specificationθάλασσα: 'sea'; the ἐρυθρὰ θάλασσα (Red Sea) is the dominant geographical feature; from Israel's standpoint it is an impassable barrier, fulfilling Pharaoh's expectation (v.3).
ἱππεῖςhorsemenNominativesubject (appositive military inventory)→ participant prominenceἱππεύς: 'horseman, cavalry rider'; distinct from the ἵππος (horse/cavalry collective) — the individual mounted soldiers.
στρατιὰarmyNominativesubject (final element of military inventory)→ participant prominenceστρατιά: the entire army; the four-part inventory (ἵππος, ἅρματα, ἱππεῖς, στρατιά) paints a picture of irresistible military power bearing down on Israel's camp.
10
καὶ Φαραω προσῆγεν· καὶ ἀναβλέψαντες οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς εἶδον, καὶ οἱ Αἰγύπτιοι ἐστρατοπέδευσαν ὀπίσω αὐτῶν· καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν σφόδρα· ἀνεβόησαν δὲ οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ πρὸς κύριον.
And Pharaoh drew near; and the sons of Israel lifted up their eyes and saw — and the Egyptians were encamped behind them — and they were very afraid; and the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD.
Four rapid clauses accelerate the pace: Pharaoh advances; Israel looks up and sees; they are terrified (ἐφοβήθησαν σφόδρα — 'very greatly afraid'); they cry to the LORD (ἀνεβόησαν πρὸς κύριον). The visual idiom ἀναβλέψαντες τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς ('lifting their eyes with their eyes') is a Hebraism (וַיִּשְׂאוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת עֵינֵיהֶם) for surveying the horizon. The prayer to the LORD is the pivot: fear drives Israel to the very one who engineered their deliverance.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (rapid scene)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΦαραωPharaohindeclinable proper noun (subject)→ participant identificationΦαραω: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (subject).
προσῆγενdrew nearImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · προσάγωmain verb (ominous approach: ongoing advance)→ progressive imperfect (Pharaoh closing the distance as Israel looks up)προσάγω: 'bring near, draw near, approach'; the imperfect captures Pharaoh still in motion — the approach is not yet complete as Israel spots him.
ἀναβλέψαντεςlifting upAor Act Part Nom Pl Masc · ἀναβλέπωattendant-circumstance participle (the visual survey that precedes εἶδον)→ constative aorist (the deliberate act of looking up)ἀναβλέπω: 'look up, lift one's eyes'; with τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς it is a Hebraism for surveying the horizon; the redundant 'with their eyes' is a characteristic LXX calque.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject→ participant prominenceυἱοὶ: meaning 'sons'; it serves as subject.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun.
τοῖςtheirDativearticle with dative instrumental noun (Hebraism)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀφθαλμοῖςeyesDativedative of means (Hebraism: 'with their eyes')→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; the dative ὀφθαλμοῖς with ἀναβλέπω is redundant in Greek but calques the Hebrew idiom וַיִּשְׂאוּ אֶת עֵינֵיהֶם ('they lifted their eyes').
εἶδονsawAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ὁράωmain verb (perception that triggers fear)→ constative aoristὁράω: 'see, perceive'; the sight of the Egyptian army triggers the cascade of fear and prayer.
ἐστρατοπέδευσανwere encampedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · στρατοπεδεύωmain verb of ὅτι-clause (what they saw: Egyptians positioned behind)→ constative aorist (the completed act of encamping)στρατοπεδεύω: reappears from v.2 (where Israel was commanded to encamp); now Egypt occupies the position behind Israel, completing the encirclement.
ἐφοβήθησανthey were afraidAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · φοβέωmain verb (emotional response to the sight)→ ingressive aorist (onset of intense fear)φοβέω (pass.): 'fear, be afraid'; the same root φοβ- recurs at v.31 ἐφοβήθη — but there it is wholesome fear of the LORD rather than panic before Egypt.
σφόδραvery greatlyadverb of degree (intensifying the fear)→ clausal contributionσφόδρα: 'very much, exceedingly'; a LXX intensifier rendering Hebrew מְאֹד.
ἀνεβόησανcried outAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀναβοάωmain verb (prayer: the cry to the LORD)→ constative aorist (the single act of crying out)ἀναβοάω: 'cry out, shout'; renders Hebrew וַיִּצְעֲקוּ; the verb denotes urgent, distressed prayer — the same cry for rescue that Israel raised in Egypt (Exod 2:23 LXX).
δὲbut / andpostpositive conjunction (mild contrast / continuation)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of the cry)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of the cry).
κύριονthe LORDAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (the one cried out to)→ object specificationκύριος: the object of Israel's cry — the same God who engineered the trap now receives their prayer; the irony is stark and theologically pregnant.
11
καὶ εἶπαν πρὸς Μωυσῆν· Παρὰ τὸ μὴ ὑπάρχειν μνήματα ἐν γῇ Αἰγύπτῳ ἐξήγαγες ἡμᾶς θανατῶσαι ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ; τί τοῦτο ἐποίησας ἡμῖν ἐξαγαγὼν ἐξ Αἰγύπτου;
And they said to Moses: 'Was it because there were no graves in the land of Egypt that you led us out to die in the wilderness? What is this you have done to us, bringing us out of Egypt?'
Israel's reproach combines bitter sarcasm (were there not enough graves in Egypt?) with a double rhetorical question. Παρὰ τὸ μὴ ὑπάρχειν is an articular infinitive construction ('on account of the non-existence of graves'). θανατῶσαι ('to kill') frames the exodus as Moses' murderous intention. The reproach ironically inverts the exodus — they preferred Egypt's slavery to freedom's danger.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπανthey saidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (speech introduction)→ constative aoristλέγω (aor. εἶπαν, Koine form): introduces the third invitation.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
ΜωυσῆνMosesAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (addressee)→ object specificationΜωυσῆν: meaning 'Moses'; it serves as accusative object of πρός (addressee).
Παρὰbecause ofpreposition + articular infinitive (causal: 'on account of the non-existence of')→ spatial or relational framingπαρά: here causal ('on account of, because of'); παρὰ τὸ + articular infinitive is a classical and LXX construction for giving a negative reason.
τὸtheAccusativearticle with articular infinitive→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μὴnotnegation particle (negative articular infinitive)→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὑπάρχεινto exist / there beingPres Act Inf · ὑπάρχωarticular infinitive (subject of causal phrase: 'the non-existence of graves')→ durative (assumed state of affairs)ὑπάρχω: 'exist, be present'; with μή in the causal construction = 'because there were not (enough graves)' — the bitter sarcasm of the complaint.
μνήματαgravesAccusativeaccusative subject of articular infinitive→ object specificationμνῆμα: 'tomb, grave, monument'; renders Hebrew קְבָרִים; the sarcastic question implies that Egypt — famous for its elaborate burial practices — had plenty of graves; the implied taunt: why bring us out here to die?
ἐξήγαγεςyou led outAor Act Indic 2 Sg · ἐξάγωmain verb of the rhetorical question (accusation against Moses)→ constative aorist (the single act of the exodus blamed on Moses)ἐξάγω: 'lead out, bring out'; Moses' leadership of the exodus is here hurled back at him as an act of betrayal.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἐξήγαγες→ participant referenceἡμᾶς: meaning 'us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative direct object of ἐξήγαγες.
θανατῶσαιto killAor Act Inf · θανατόωinfinitive of purpose ('in order to kill us')→ constative aorist (the feared single outcome)θανατόω: 'put to death, kill'; renders Hebrew לְהָמִיתֵנוּ; framing the exodus as homicide reflects the extremity of Israel's panic.
ἐξαγαγὼνhaving led outAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · ἐξάγωcausal participle (providing the ground of the complaint)→ constative aoristἐξάγω: cognate with ἐξήγαγες; the repetition of the same verb underlines that the exodus itself — the act of liberation — is what Israel now blames.
12
οὐ τοῦτο ἦν τὸ ῥῆμα, ὃ ἐλαλήσαμεν πρός σε ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ λέγοντες· Πάρες ἡμᾶς ὅπως δουλεύσωμεν τοῖς Αἰγυπτίοις; κρεῖσσον γὰρ ἡμᾶς δουλεύειν τοῖς Αἰγυπτίοις ἢ ἀποθανεῖν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ ταύτῃ.
'Was this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, "Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians"? For it is better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in this wilderness.'
Israel invokes a prior plea — not recorded in the narrative but assumed — that Moses let them continue serving Egypt. Πάρες ἡμᾶς (Aor. Act. Impv. of παρίημι, 'let us alone') implies a recollection of their submission during Moses' confrontation with Pharaoh. The comparative κρεῖσσον … δουλεύειν ἢ ἀποθανεῖν ('better to serve than to die') states their calculus starkly and is the theological nadir of the chapter — the very bondage the LORD freed them from is now preferred to the risk of faith.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
οὐnotnegative particle (expecting affirmative answer: 'was this not …?')→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῦτοthisNominativepredicate nominative / subject (referring to the following ῥῆμα)→ participant referenceτοῦτο: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as predicate nominative / subject (referring to the following ῥῆμα).
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (linking τοῦτο and τὸ ῥῆμα)→ durative imperfect (the word as a standing prior declaration)εἰμί (impf. ἦν): the copula of the name-gloss.
τὸtheNominativearticle with predicate noun→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥῆμαwordNominativepredicate nominative (the prior utterance recalled)→ participant prominenceῥῆμα: 'word, saying, utterance'; renders Hebrew הַדָּבָר; here the specific prior utterance made in Egypt — whether real or rhetorical invention in hindsight.
ὃwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (accusative, object of ἐλαλήσαμεν)→ participant referenceὃ: meaning 'which'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as relative pronoun (accusative, object of ἐλαλήσαμεν).
ἐλαλήσαμενwe spokeAor Act Indic 1 Pl · λαλέωmain verb of relative clause (the prior declaration)→ constative aoristλαλέω: 'speak'; the first-person plural binds both men to the spoken agreement.
πρόςtopreposition + accusative (addressee of the prior word)→ spatial or relational framingπρός: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (addressee of the prior word).
σεyouAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (Moses addressed)→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative object of πρός (Moses addressed).
Πάρεςleave us aloneAor Act Impv 2 Sg · παρίημιimperative in quoted speech (the prior plea to Moses)→ ingressive aorist imperative (stop interfering)παρίημι: 'let go, leave alone, dismiss'; the aorist imperative Πάρες ἡμᾶς = 'let us go, stop interfering with us'; renders Hebrew חֲדַל מִמֶּנּוּ.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativeaccusative object of Πάρες→ participant referenceἡμᾶς: meaning 'us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative object of Πάρες.
ὅπωςso thatpurpose conjunction (introducing the purpose clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅπως: meaning 'so that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δουλεύσωμενwe might serveAor Act Subj 1 Pl · δουλεύωsubjunctive of purpose (the goal of the plea: continued servitude)→ constative aorist subjunctiveδουλεύω: 'serve as a slave, be enslaved'; the verbal root δουλ- runs through Exodus as the antithesis to freedom — here Israel voluntarily chooses δουλεία over deliverance.
τοῖςtheDativearticle with dative noun→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίοιςEgyptiansDativedative object of δουλεύσωμεν (serve the Egyptians)→ sphere or referenceΑἰγυπτίοις: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as dative object of δουλεύσωμεν (serve the Egyptians).
κρεῖσσονbettercomparative adjective (predicate adjective in impersonal comparative construction)→ clausal contributionκρεῖσσον: comparative of ἀγαθός / καλός, 'better'; renders Hebrew טוֹב; the Israel–Egypt comparison expresses a tragic inversion of values — servitude preferred to the risk of freedom.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction (grounds the appeal in pragmatic calculation)→ discourse linkage or contrastγάρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δουλεύεινto servePres Act Inf · δουλεύωinfinitive (subject of κρεῖσσον: 'serving is better')→ durative (ongoing servitude as preferred state)δουλεύω: infinitive as subject of the comparative; the ongoing δουλεία is weighed against death — and found preferable.
ἢthancomparative conjunction (introducing the alternative: death)→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'than'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀποθανεῖνto dieAor Act Inf · ἀποθνῄσκωinfinitive (second element of comparison: death as the rejected alternative)→ constative aorist (death as a single feared event)ἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'; the existential crisis of the moment — death by Egyptian weapons at the sea's edge.
ταύτῃthisDativedemonstrative adjective modifying ἐρήμῳ (contemptuous designation)→ participant reference or interestοὗτος (dat. fem.): 'this'; the demonstrative carries contempt — 'this very wilderness'; the same ἔρημος that Pharaoh thought had trapped Israel (v.3) is now derided by Israel itself.
13
εἶπεν δὲ Μωυσῆς πρὸς τὸν λαόν· Θαρσεῖτε, στῆτε καὶ ὁρᾶτε τὴν σωτηρίαν τὴν παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, ἣν ποιήσει ἡμῖν σήμερον· ὃν γὰρ τρόπον ἑωράκατε τοὺς Αἰγυπτίους σήμερον, οὐ προσθήσεσθε ἔτι ἰδεῖν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα χρόνον.
And Moses said to the people: 'Take courage! Stand, and see the salvation that is from God, which he will do for us today; for in the manner that you have seen the Egyptians today, you will no longer see them ever again.'
Moses answers the panic with three imperatives in asyndeton: Θαρσεῖτε ('take courage'), στῆτε ('stand'), ὁρᾶτε ('see'). The object of 'see' is τὴν σωτηρίαν τὴν παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ — 'the salvation that is from God' — a phrase of profound theological weight: σωτηρία renders יְשׁוּעָה and stands behind NT σωτήριον / σωτηρία language. The repeated σήμερον ('today') stakes God's action on the immediate present. The permanent negation οὐ προσθήσεσθε … εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα χρόνον ('you will not again, ever') is a Hebraism (לֹא תֹסִפוּ לִרְאֹתָם עוֹד לְעֹלָם) of absolute finality.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech introduction)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
δὲand / butpostpositive conjunction (mild contrast: from Israel's complaint to Moses' response)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΜωυσῆςMosesNominativesubject of εἶπεν→ participant prominenceΜωυσῆς: meaning 'Moses'; it serves as subject of εἶπεν.
Θαρσεῖτεtake couragePres Act Impv 2 Pl · θαρσέωfirst imperative (exhortation against fear)→ progressive present imperative (ongoing posture of courage required)θαρσέω: 'be courageous, take heart'; the present imperative calls for a sustained disposition of courage over against the ongoing fear (v.10 ἐφοβήθησαν); cf. Matt 14:27 where Jesus uses the identical form at another sea-crossing moment.
στῆτεstandAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ἵστημιsecond imperative (physical posture: hold your ground)→ ingressive aorist imperative (take your stand now and hold it)ἵστημι: 'stand, stand firm'; the aorist imperative signals a decisive, stable posture in contrast to flight; standing to watch God act is a posture of faith, not passivity.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction joining imperatives→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁρᾶτεseePres Act Impv 2 Pl · ὁράωthird imperative (active, attentive witnessing of salvation)→ progressive present imperative (keep looking, watch attentively)ὁράω: 'see, behold'; the present imperative calls for sustained, attentive witness to what God is about to do — the same eyes that saw the Egyptian army (v.10) are now to witness salvation.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle with accusative direct object→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σωτηρίανsalvationAccusativeaccusative direct object of ὁρᾶτε (the salvation to be witnessed)→ object specificationσωτηρία: 'salvation, deliverance'; renders Hebrew יְשׁוּעָה; the chapter's central theological term — military rescue elevated to covenantal salvation. The phrase τὴν σωτηρίαν τὴν παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ has its source in this verse and stands behind the NT's σωτηρία vocabulary.
τὴνthe [one]Accusativerepeated article (attributive position: 'the salvation — specifically, the one from God')→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρὰfrompreposition + genitive (source: salvation that proceeds from God)→ spatial or relational framingπαρά: here 'from' (source); τὴν σωτηρίαν τὴν παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ = the salvation that comes from God, not from human military capacity.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive object of παρά (the divine source of salvation)→ relational specificationθεός: 'God'; notably the verse uses θεοῦ rather than κύριος — God as ultimate source, LORD as personal name; both appear in v.14.
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (accusative, object of ποιήσει)→ participant referenceἣν: meaning 'which'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as relative pronoun (accusative, object of ποιήσει).
ποιήσειhe will doFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb of relative clause (divine promise: God will act today)→ futuristic future (imminent divine act)ποιέω: 'do, accomplish'; the future tense — σήμερον ('today') — stakes the promise on the immediate present; God's action is not deferred.
ἡμῖνfor usDativedative of advantage (the beneficiaries of God's action)→ participant reference or interestἡμῖν: meaning 'for us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage (the beneficiaries of God's action).
σήμερονtodaytemporal adverb (the immediacy of divine action)→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'; the word occurs twice in the verse (before and after ποιήσει in the Greek construction), bracketing the divine promise with temporal urgency.
ἑωράκατεyou have seenPerf Act Indic 2 Pl · ὁράωmain verb (the Egyptian sight from v.10, now made the basis of comparison)→ intensive perfect (what they have seen and the image still before their eyes)ὁράω: the perfect tense — 'what you have seen' (and still see, before your eyes) — connects the present sight of Egypt with the future never-again.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίουςEgyptiansAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἑωράκατε→ object specificationΑἰγυπτίους: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as accusative direct object of ἑωράκατε.
οὐnotnegation (strong: indicative future negative = certainty of non-event)→ participant referenceοὐ: meaning 'not'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as negation (strong: indicative future negative = certainty of non-event).
προσθήσεσθεyou will add / continueFut Mid Indic 2 Pl · προστίθημιmain verb of apodosis (Hebraism: 'you will no longer [see them]')→ futuristic futureπροστίθημι: 'add, do again'; the construction οὐ … προσθήσεσθε + infinitive is a Hebraism for 'no longer will you … again' (Hebrew לֹא תֹסִפוּ + inf.); a solemn permanent negation.
ἔτιstill / any longertemporal adverb (reinforcing the permanent negation)→ clausal contributionἔτι: meaning 'still'; it shapes the local clause or phrase relation in this passage.
ἰδεῖνto seeAor Act Inf · ὁράωinfinitive of content with προσθήσεσθε (what will no longer happen)→ constative aoristὁράω (aor. inf. ἰδεῖν): 'see'; the complementary infinitive in the idiom; 'Samuel did not see Saul again' until Saul's death — a lifelong estrangement, though their stories continue (cf. the necromancy scene of 1 Kgdms 28).
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἰδεῖν→ participant referenceαὐτοὺς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative direct object of ἰδεῖν.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (temporal extent: into perpetual time)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (temporal extent: into perpetual time).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αἰῶναageAccusativeaccusative of temporal extent (into the age — forever)→ object specificationαἰών: 'age, eternity'; εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα χρόνον renders Hebrew לְעֹלָם ('forever, perpetually'); the phrase intensifies the permanence of Egypt's defeat.
χρόνονtimeAccusativeaccusative in apposition to αἰῶνα (reinforcing the temporal expression)→ object specificationχρόνος: 'time'; the pairing αἰῶνα χρόνον is a LXX pleonasm for absolute permanence — 'for all time, ever'.
14
κύριος πολεμήσει περὶ ὑμῶν, ὑμεῖς δὲ σιγήσετε.
The LORD will fight for you, and you shall be silent.
The two clauses in asyndeton form a deliberate contrast: divine action (κύριος … πολεμήσει) against human stillness (ὑμεῖς … σιγήσετε). The future indicatives are both promissory and commanding: the LORD will fight, therefore Israel is to be silent. σιγήσετε ('you shall be silent') renders Hebrew תַּחֲרִישׁוּן and is stronger than mere quietness — it is the silence of one who watches while God acts. The verse is the hinge between Moses' speech and the LORD's command to advance (v.15).
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject (asyndetic opening — emphasis by anarthrous nominative)→ participant prominenceκύριος: the divine name placed first and anarthrous for emphasis; the LORD himself is the warrior (cf. Exod 15:3 LXX: κύριος συντρίβων πολέμους).
πολεμήσειwill fightFut Act Indic 3 Sg · πολεμέωmain verb (divine warrior promise)→ futuristic future (God's imminent military action)πολεμέω: 'make war, fight'; renders Hebrew יִלָּחֵם; the concept of the LORD as divine warrior (יהוה אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה, Exod 15:3) is the chapter's theological motor. At v.25 the Egyptians acknowledge κύριος πολεμεῖ περὶ αὐτῶν ('the LORD fights for them') — an exact echo.
περὶforpreposition + genitive (advantage: on behalf of you)→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (advantage: on behalf of you).
ὑμῶνyouGenitivegenitive object of περί (Israel as the beneficiary of divine warfare)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of περί (Israel as the beneficiary of divine warfare).
ὑμεῖςyouNominativeemphatic subject pronoun (contrast: LORD fights; you — be still)→ participant referenceὑμεῖς: emphatic pronoun; the δέ contrasts the divine action with Israel's required posture — 'while he fights, you keep silence.'
δὲbutpostpositive adversative conjunction (contrasting the two clauses)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σιγήσετεyou shall be silentFut Act Indic 2 Pl · σιγάωmain verb (imperatival future: the required response to divine warfare)→ futuristic future (certain and commanded state)σιγάω: 'be silent, keep silence'; renders Hebrew חָרַשׁ; the silence is active — the posture of one who trusts God to act without human supplement. The verse echoes in the NT theology of rest and faith (Heb 4; cf. Ps 46:11 LXX 'be still and know that I am God').
15
εἶπεν δὲ κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν· Τί βοᾷς πρός με; λάλησον τοῖς υἱοῖς Ισραηλ καὶ ἀναζευξάτωσαν.
And the LORD said to Moses: 'Why do you cry out to me? Speak to the sons of Israel, and let them set out.'
The LORD addresses Moses' cry (v.10 ἀνεβόησαν) with a rhetorical rebuke — Τί βοᾷς πρός με; — not denying the prayer but redirecting it to action. The present indicative βοᾷς suggests Moses is still crying out even now. The command ἀναζευξάτωσαν ('let them set out, break camp') is the pivot of the whole narrative: the moment of advance replaces the static stance of v.14's σιγήσετε with forward movement.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (divine speech introduction)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
δέandpostpositive conjunction (continuation / mild contrast)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
ΜωυσῆνMosesAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (the addressee)→ object specificationΜωυσῆν: meaning 'Moses'; it serves as accusative object of πρός (the addressee).
Τίwhyinterrogative adverb (rhetorical rebuke)→ participant referenceΤί: meaning 'why'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as interrogative adverb (rhetorical rebuke).
βοᾷςdo you cry outPres Act Indic 2 Sg · βοάωmain verb of rhetorical question (divine rebuke of ongoing prayer-paralysis)→ progressive present (Moses still in the act of crying)βοάω: 'cry out, call aloud'; the present suggests the crying is ongoing even now — the divine rebuke is real-time. The LORD does not reject prayer but here redirects prayer-energy into action.
πρόςtopreposition + accusative (direction: crying toward God)→ spatial or relational framingπρός: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction: crying toward God).
μεmeAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (the LORD as the one cried to)→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative object of πρός (the LORD as the one cried to).
λάλησονspeakAor Act Impv 2 Sg · λαλέωmain verb (imperative: command to Moses to address Israel)→ ingressive aorist imperativeλαλέω: 'speak'; renders דַּבֵּר; the standard commission to Moses.
τοῖςtheDativearticle with dative noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῖςsonsDativedative indirect object of λάλησον→ sphere or referenceυἱοῖς: meaning 'sons'; it serves as dative indirect object of λάλησον.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction linking commands→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀναζευξάτωσανlet them set outAor Act Impv 3 Pl · ἀναζεύγνυμιmain verb (3rd-person imperative: break camp and advance)→ ingressive aorist imperative (a decisive single act of breaking camp)ἀναζεύγνυμι: 'break camp, hitch up and move out'; a military term for the command to move a force from its encampment; renders Hebrew נסע; the narrative pivot — Israel stops waiting and advances.
16
καὶ σὺ ἔπαρον τῇ ῥάβδῳ σου καὶ ἔκτεινον τὴν χεῖρά σου ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ ῥῆξον αὐτήν· καὶ εἰσελθέτωσαν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ εἰς μέσον τῆς θαλάσσης κατὰ τὸ ξηρόν.
'And you — lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and split it; and let the sons of Israel enter into the middle of the sea on the dry ground.'
The emphatic σύ ('you yourself') addresses Moses specifically: three imperatives in sequence — ἔπαρον (lift), ἔκτεινον (stretch), ῥῆξον (split). The staff (ῥάβδος) is the instrument of Moses' prior miracles (Exod 7:9, 10; 8:1, 12); stretching the hand (ἔκτεινον τὴν χεῖρα) is the enacted sign-gesture. ῥῆξον αὐτήν ('split it') renders Hebrew וּבְקָעֵהוּ and anticipates the dramatic ἐσχίσθη τὸ ὕδωρ ('the water was split') of v.21. κατὰ τὸ ξηρόν ('on the dry') anticipates the ξηρά language of vv.21–22, 29.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (continuing divine command)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σὺyouNominativeemphatic subject pronoun (Moses singled out as agent of the sign)→ participant referenceσύ: the emphatic pronoun separates Moses' role (wielding the staff) from Israel's role (advancing); it is Moses who performs the sign-act, as at the plagues.
ἔπαρονlift upAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἐπαίρωfirst imperative (raise the staff as instrument of divine action)→ ingressive aorist imperativeἐπαίρω: 'raise, lift up'; the staff raised is the sign-act gesture preceding the miracle; renders Hebrew רֵם.
τῇtheDativearticle with dative noun (instrumental)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥάβδῳstaffDativedative of instrument ('lift up with your staff')→ sphere or referenceῥάβδος: 'staff, rod'; the instrument of Moses' miracle-working through Exodus (7:9, 17, 20; 8:1, 12; 9:23; 10:13); renders Hebrew מַטֶּה.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἔκτεινονstretch outAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἐκτείνωsecond imperative (extend the hand as enacted sign-gesture)→ ingressive aorist imperativeἐκτείνω: 'stretch out, extend'; the phrase ἔκτεινον τὴν χεῖρά σου ἐπί is the LXX formula for Moses' sign-act gesture at the plagues (7:19; 8:1; 9:22; 10:12); here applied to the sea.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖράhandAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἔκτεινον→ object specificationχείρ: 'hand'; the hand stretched over the sea at Moses' command; at v.31 the 'great hand' of the LORD himself is what Israel ultimately sees — God's χείρ overshadowing Moses'.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (direction: over the sea)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction: over the sea).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θάλασσανseaAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί (the sea as the object of the sign-act)→ object specificationθάλασσαν: meaning 'sea'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί (the sea as the object of the sign-act).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ῥῆξονsplit itAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ῥήγνυμιthird imperative (the act of dividing the sea)→ ingressive aorist imperative (a decisive, singular act of division)ῥήγνυμι: 'break, split, tear'; renders Hebrew בָּקַע; the verb anticipates ἐσχίσθη τὸ ὕδωρ at v.21 (ἐσχίσθη, from σχίζω — both words for splitting/dividing water).
αὐτήνitAccusativeaccusative direct object of ῥῆξον (the sea)→ participant referenceαὐτήν: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative direct object of ῥῆξον (the sea).
εἰσελθέτωσανlet them enterAor Act Impv 3 Pl · εἰσέρχομαι3rd-person imperative (command for Israel to advance into the sea)→ ingressive aorist imperative (the decisive act of entering)εἰσέρχομαι: 'enter, go into'; Israel is commanded to enter into the midst of the sea — the act of faith that v.22 narrates as accomplished.
κατὰon / according topreposition + accusative (manner / surface: 'on the dry')→ spatial or relational framingκατὰ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (manner / surface: 'on the dry').
τὸtheAccusativearticle (substantivizing ξηρόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ξηρόνdry groundAccusativesubstantival adjective (the dry bed of the sea: κατὰ τὸ ξηρόν = 'on the dry')→ object specificationξηρός: 'dry'; τὸ ξηρόν is the dried seabed; the word anticipates the ξηρά of vv.21–22 and the διὰ ξηρᾶς of v.29 — the miracle of dryness recurs as a theological signature of the crossing.
17
καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ σκληρυνῶ τὴν καρδίαν Φαραω καὶ τῶν Αἰγυπτίων πάντων, καὶ εἰσελεύσονται ὀπίσω αὐτῶν· καὶ ἐνδοξασθήσομαι ἐν Φαραω καὶ ἐν πάσῃ τῇ στρατιᾷ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐν τοῖς ἅρμασιν καὶ ἐν τοῖς ἵπποις αὐτοῦ.
'And behold, I will harden the heart of Pharaoh and of all the Egyptians, and they will enter after them; and I will be glorified through Pharaoh and through all his army and through his chariots and through his horses.'
The particle ἰδοὺ ('behold') adds solemnity to the repeated hardening announcement; this time it extends to πάντων τῶν Αἰγυπτίων — not just Pharaoh but the entire nation's army. The four ἐν-phrases (Pharaoh, his army, his chariots, his horses) catalogue the military force that will become the vehicle of divine glorification, anticipating the itemised destruction of v.28.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (continuing divine speech)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἰδοὺbeholdattention-directing particle (introducing solemn divine announcement)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδού: interjection calquing Hebrew הִנְנִי / הִנֵּה; used to mark a decisive divine act about to be announced; adds solemnity and underscores the reliability of the prediction.
ἐγὼINominativeemphatic subject pronoun (divine self-assertion)→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as emphatic subject pronoun (divine self-assertion).
σκληρυνῶwill hardenFut Act Indic 1 Sg · σκληρύνωmain verb (divine hardening, now expanded to all Egyptians)→ futuristic future (imminent divine action)σκληρύνω: the third occurrence of the hardening verb (cf. vv.4, 8); here the scope expands from Pharaoh alone to Φαραω καὶ τῶν Αἰγυπτίων πάντων.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καρδίανheartAccusativeaccusative direct object of σκληρυνῶ→ object specificationκαρδίαν: meaning 'heart'; it serves as accusative direct object of σκληρυνῶ.
ΦαραωPharaohindeclinable proper noun (genitive of possession: whose heart)→ participant identificationΦαραω: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (genitive of possession: whose heart).
εἰσελεύσονταιthey will enterFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰσέρχομαιmain verb (result of hardening: the Egyptians enter the sea)→ futuristic future (inevitable consequence of hardening)εἰσέρχομαι: 'enter, go into'; the same verb used for Israel's commanded entry in v.16 — now the Egyptians enter the same passage to their destruction.
ὀπίσωafteradverb / improper preposition (direction of pursuit: after Israel)→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: meaning 'after'; here it marks the relation signaled by adverb / improper preposition (direction of pursuit: after Israel).
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of ὀπίσω (pursuing Israel into the sea)→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ὀπίσω (pursuing Israel into the sea).
ἐνδοξασθήσομαιI will be glorifiedFut Pass Indic 1 Sg · ἐνδοξάζωmain verb (divine telos: glorification through the ruin of the army)→ futuristic futureἐνδοξάζω: see v.4; the verb recurs to hammer the divine purpose — the destruction is not random but targeted revelation.
ἐνthrough / inpreposition (instrumental, repeated fourfold: Pharaoh, army, chariots, horses)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition (instrumental, repeated fourfold: Pharaoh, army, chariots, horses).
ΦαραωPharaohindeclinable proper noun (first dative sphere of glorification)→ participant identificationΦαραω: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (first dative sphere of glorification).
ἅρμασινchariotsDativedative object of ἐν (third sphere: the chariot force)→ sphere or referenceἅρμα: recurring military term; the fourfold ἐν-inventory covers the totality of Egyptian military power.
ἵπποιςhorsesDativedative object of ἐν (fourth sphere: the horse-force)→ sphere or referenceἵππος: 'horse'; the itemised mention of chariots and horses anticipates their specific destruction in vv.23–28.
18
καὶ γνώσονται πάντες οἱ Αἰγύπτιοι ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι κύριος, ἐνδοξαζομένου μου ἐν Φαραω καὶ ἐν τοῖς ἅρμασιν καὶ ἵπποις αὐτοῦ.
'And all the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I am being glorified through Pharaoh and through his chariots and his horses.'
The Erkenntnisformel (recognition formula) of v.4 recurs, closing the divine speech with its theological punchline. The genitive absolute ἐνδοξαζομένου μου ('when/while I am being glorified') is a present participle marking the time or circumstance of Egypt's recognition — they will know precisely through the act of glorification unfolding over them.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (conclusion of divine speech)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γνώσονταιwill knowFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · γινώσκωmain verb (recognition formula: the Egyptians' forced acknowledgment)→ futuristic future (certain coming recognition)γινώσκω: the recognition formula repeats from v.4; the theological goal is unchanged — Egypt's acknowledgment that this is the LORD.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (totality of Egyptians who will know)→ participant prominenceπάντες: meaning 'all'; it serves as attributive adjective (totality of Egyptians who will know).
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγύπτιοιEgyptiansNominativesubject of γνώσονται→ participant prominenceΑἰγύπτιοι: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as subject of γνώσονται.
ὅτιthatsubordinating conjunction (content of recognition)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγώINominativeemphatic subject of divine self-predication→ participant referenceἐγώ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as emphatic subject of divine self-predication.
εἰμιamPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίcopula (divine identity: 'I am the LORD')→ gnomic present (eternal identity)εἰμί: ἐγώ εἰμι κύριος — the divine self-predication anchoring the whole chapter's purpose.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativepredicate nominative (divine name)→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as predicate nominative (divine name).
ἐνδοξαζομένουbeing glorifiedPres Mid/Pass Part Gen Sg Masc · ἐνδοξάζωgenitive absolute participle (temporal / causal: 'while / when I am glorified')→ progressive (the ongoing event of glorification through the sea-act)ἐνδοξάζω: present participle in a genitive absolute construction; the recognition happens in the very process of glorification — Egypt witnesses the LORD's glory and is compelled to acknowledge it.
μουof meGenitivegenitive subject of the genitive absolute (the one being glorified = the LORD)→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'of me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive subject of the genitive absolute (the one being glorified = the LORD).
ἐνthroughpreposition + dative (instrument / sphere of glorification, threefold)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrument / sphere of glorification, threefold).
ΦαραωPharaohindeclinable proper noun (first sphere)→ participant identificationΦαραω: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (first sphere).
ἅρμασινchariotsDativedative object of ἐν (second sphere)→ sphere or referenceἅρμασιν: meaning 'chariots'; it serves as dative object of ἐν (second sphere).
ἵπποιςhorsesDativedative object of ἐν (third sphere)→ sphere or referenceἵπποις: meaning 'horses'; it serves as dative object of ἐν (third sphere).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Pharaoh's horses)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Pharaoh's horses).
19
ἐξῆρεν δὲ ὁ ἄγγελος τοῦ θεοῦ ὁ προπορευόμενος τῆς παρεμβολῆς τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ καὶ ἐπορεύθη ἐκ τῶν ὄπισθεν· ἐξῆρεν δὲ καὶ ὁ στῦλος τῆς νεφέλης ἀπὸ προσώπου αὐτῶν καὶ ἔστη ἐκ τῶν ὄπισθεν αὐτῶν.
And the angel of God who went before the camp of the sons of Israel moved and went to the rear; and the pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood at their rear.
The double ἐξῆρεν … ἐπορεύθη / ἐξῆρεν … ἔστη parallelism describes two coordinated moves: the angel of God and the pillar of cloud both relocate from Israel's van to their rear. ὁ ἄγγελος τοῦ θεοῦ (the angel of God) and the pillar are here presented as distinct figures — though elsewhere in Exodus they are identified (13:21; cf. 14:24 where the LORD himself acts ἐν στύλῳ). The repositioning creates a divine barrier between the two camps and is the basis for the darkness/light contrast of v.20.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
ἐξῆρενmoved outAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐξαίρωmain verb (the angel's relocation from van to rear)→ constative aorist (the completed move)ἐξαίρω: 'move out, take up and go'; a military term for breaking position; renders Hebrew וַיִּסַּע; the narrative uses the same verb for Israel's march (vv.15, 20 ἀναζεύγνυμι / ἀναζεύξει).
δὲandpostpositive conjunction (scene transition)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄγγελοςangelNominativesubject of ἐξῆρεν (the angelic guardian of the camp)→ participant prominenceἄγγελος: 'messenger, angel'; ὁ ἄγγελος τοῦ θεοῦ is the divine-angelic presence that guided Israel (Exod 23:20, 23; 32:34); the same figure Paul identifies as the supernatural rock accompanying Israel (1 Cor 10:4).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle with genitive noun→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of possession (the angel belonging to / sent by God)→ relational specificationθεοῦ: meaning 'God'; it serves as genitive of possession (the angel belonging to / sent by God).
ὁthe oneNominativearticle with attributive participle (identifying relative clause)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
προπορευόμενοςgoing beforePres Mid Part Nom Sg Masc · προπορεύομαιattributive participle (identifying role of the angel: 'the one going before')→ progressive (ongoing prior role as van-guardian)προπορεύομαι: 'go before, precede'; the angel's prior role was as van-guardian; the present participle marks this as his established function, now being reversed.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle with genitive noun→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρεμβολῆςcampGenitivegenitive of association (the camp the angel preceded)→ relational specificationπαρεμβολή: 'camp, encampment'; the military term for Israel's travelling formation; the camp is the community of God's people on the march.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπορεύθηwentAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (second action: the angel's movement to the rear)→ constative aoristπορεύομαι: 'go, travel, move'; ἐκ τῶν ὄπισθεν = 'to the rear, from behind'; the same construction repeats for the pillar in the second half of the verse.
ἐξῆρενmovedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐξαίρωmain verb (parallel: the pillar's relocation)→ constative aoristἐξαίρω: the verb repeated from the first half of the verse; the double ἐξῆρεν frames the co-movement of angel and pillar as a single unified divine action.
δὲandpostpositive conjunction (parallel clause: pillar's movement)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καὶalsoadverb (also / likewise — the pillar too moves)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'also'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στῦλοςpillarNominativesubject of ἐξῆρεν (the cloud pillar)→ participant prominenceστῦλος: 'pillar, column'; the pillar of cloud (13:21–22) is the primary visible form of divine presence guiding Israel; its movement is the physical enactment of the divine protection — standing between the two camps. 1 Cor 10:1 recalls Israel being 'under the cloud' (ὑπὸ τὴν νεφέλην).
τῆςof theGenitivearticle with genitive noun→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
νεφέληςcloudGenitivegenitive of description (the cloud pillar)→ relational specificationνεφέλη: 'cloud'; the divine presence-cloud appears throughout Exodus (13:21–22; 16:10; 19:9, 16; 24:16); at 14:24 it combines with fire (ἐν στύλῳ πυρὸς καὶ νεφέλης).
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (departure point: from before them)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (departure point: from before them).
προσώπουface / frontGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (ἀπὸ προσώπου = 'from before, from the face of')→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: 'face, front'; ἀπὸ προσώπου is a Hebraism (מִלִּפְנֵיהֶם, 'from before them').
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (Israel, from whose front the pillar departs)→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ἀπό (Israel, from whose front the pillar departs).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔστηstoodAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἵστημιmain verb (the pillar takes its new position: standing between the camps)→ ingressive aorist (the pillar takes up its new position)ἵστημι: 'stand'; ἔστη ἐκ τῶν ὄπισθεν αὐτῶν ('stood at their rear') — the pillar now occupies the position between Israel and Egypt, as v.20 will describe.
ἐκat / frompreposition + genitive (positional: 'at / on the side of the rear')→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'at'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (positional: 'at / on the side of the rear').
τῶνtheGenitivearticle with genitive noun→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὄπισθενrear / behindGenitivegenitive (part of adverbial phrase ἐκ τῶν ὄπισθεν αὐτῶν: 'at their rear')→ relational specificationὄπισθεν: 'behind, at the rear'; the pillar now stands between Israel's rear and Egypt's front — a divine wall before the created wall of water.
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive (Israel: whose rear the pillar now guards)→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive (Israel: whose rear the pillar now guards).
20
καὶ εἰσῆλθεν ἀνὰ μέσον τῆς παρεμβολῆς τῶν Αἰγυπτίων καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον τῆς παρεμβολῆς Ισραηλ· καὶ ἐγένετο σκότος καὶ γνόφος, καὶ διῆλθεν ἡ νύξ, καὶ οὐ συνέμιξαν ἀλλήλοις ὅλην τὴν νύκτα.
And it entered between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and there was darkness and gloom, and the night passed, and they did not come near one another all night.
The pillar (subject of εἰσῆλθεν) positions itself between the two camps. The resulting σκότος καὶ γνόφος ('darkness and gloom') describes the Egyptian side; the MT adds that it was 'light' to Israel — the LXX here abbreviates but the contrast is presupposed. οὐ συνέμιξαν ἀλλήλοις ('they did not come near / mingle with one another') is the practical result: neither army could advance through the night. The chapter's central miracle begins quietly in the dark.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰσῆλθενenteredAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰσέρχομαιmain verb (the pillar enters the space between the two camps)→ constative aorist (decisive movement into the interstitial position)εἰσέρχομαι: 'enter, go into'; the pillar enters (ἀνὰ μέσον) the gap between the two camps — ἀνὰ μέσον ('between') used twice to specify both limits of the space.
ἀνὰbetweenpreposition (ἀνὰ μέσον = 'between')→ spatial or relational framingἀνὰ: meaning 'between'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition (ἀνὰ μέσον = 'between').
μέσονmidstAccusativeaccusative with ἀνά forming 'between'→ object specificationμέσον: meaning 'midst'; it serves as accusative with ἀνά forming 'between'.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρεμβολῆςcampGenitivegenitive (first camp: Egypt's)→ relational specificationπαρεμβολῆς: meaning 'camp'; it serves as genitive (first camp: Egypt's).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίωνEgyptiansGenitivegenitive of possession (Egypt's camp)→ relational specificationΑἰγυπτίων: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as genitive of possession (Egypt's camp).
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun (genitive: Israel's camp)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (genitive: Israel's camp).
ἐγένετοthere came to beAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (existential: darkness came into being)→ ingressive aorist (onset of the darkness)γίνομαι: 'become, come to be'; the existential ἐγένετο calques the Hebrew וַיְהִי, signalling the onset of a new condition.
σκότοςdarknessNominativesubject of ἐγένετο (darkness as the condition produced)→ participant prominenceσκότος: 'darkness'; the same word used for the plague of darkness (Exod 10:21–22 LXX); here the darkness falls on Egypt, recalling the ninth plague.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adding γνόφος as second noun of the darkness)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γνόφοςgloomNominativesubject coordinate with σκότος→ participant prominenceγνόφος: 'thick darkness, gloom, storm-cloud'; a heightened synonym for darkness used of the Sinai theophany (Exod 20:21 LXX; Deut 4:11 LXX; Heb 12:18); the pair σκότος καὶ γνόφος intensifies the impenetrable quality of the night for Egypt.
διῆλθενpassedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · διέρχομαιmain verb (the night passed — time span of the miracle)→ constative aorist (the whole night viewed as a single event)διέρχομαι: 'pass through, go through'; ἡ νύξ ('the night') as subject; the entire night is the time during which God prepares the seabed.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
νύξnightNominativesubject of διῆλθεν→ participant prominenceνύξ: 'night'; repeated as νύκτα at the end of the verse; the whole night under divine cover is the period of miraculous preparation.
συνέμιξανcame near / mixedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · συμμίγνυμιmain verb (negated: no contact between the armies all night)→ constative aorist (the entire night, no contact)συμμίγνυμι: 'mix together, come into contact'; here used of military contact — the armies could not engage; the darkness prevented Egypt from attacking and Israel was directed forward into the sea.
ἀλλήλοιςone anotherDativedative reciprocal pronoun (the two armies as the parties separated)→ participant reference or interestἀλλήλοις: 'one another'; the divine barrier (darkness + pillar) kept the two camps physically separated for the entire night — giving Israel the hours needed to cross.
ὅληνall / wholeAccusativeattributive adjective modifying νύκτα (the full extent of the night)→ object specificationὅλην: meaning 'all'; it serves as attributive adjective modifying νύκτα (the full extent of the night).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
νύκταnightAccusativeaccusative of time (ὅλην τὴν νύκτα = 'all night long')→ object specificationνύκτα: meaning 'night'; it serves as accusative of time (ὅλην τὴν νύκτα = 'all night long').
21
ἐξέτεινεν δὲ Μωυσῆς τὴν χεῖρα ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν, καὶ ὑπήγαγεν κύριος τὴν θάλασσαν ἐν ἀνέμῳ νότῳ βιαίῳ ὅλην τὴν νύκτα καὶ ἐποίησεν τὴν θάλασσαν ξηράν, καὶ ἐσχίσθη τὸ ὕδωρ.
And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back by a strong south wind all night and made the sea dry, and the water was split.
Moses' action (ἐξέτεινεν) is immediately followed by the LORD's action (ὑπήγαγεν, ἐποίησεν, ἐσχίσθη) — the human gesture and divine power as cause and effect. The crucial LXX–MT divergence: ἐν ἀνέμῳ νότῳ ('by a south wind') translates where the MT has רוּחַ קָדִים עַזָּה ('a strong east wind'); the LXX consistently specifies νότος (south wind) in contexts where the MT has an east wind at sea (cf. the locust in 10:13 LXX). ἐσχίσθη τὸ ὕδωρ ('the water was split') fulfils ῥῆξον αὐτήν of v.16.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
ἐξέτεινενstretched outAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐκτείνωmain verb (Moses' enacted sign-gesture, fulfilling v.16 ἔκτεινον)→ constative aoristἐκτείνω: 'stretch out'; the same verb as the command in v.16 — Moses obeys exactly.
δὲandpostpositive conjunction (continuation of the night narrative)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΜωυσῆςMosesNominativesubject of ἐξέτεινεν→ participant prominenceΜωυσῆς: meaning 'Moses'; it serves as subject of ἐξέτεινεν.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραhandAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἐξέτεινεν→ object specificationχεῖρα: meaning 'hand'; it serves as accusative direct object of ἐξέτεινεν.
ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (direction of the gesture: over the sea)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of the gesture: over the sea).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θάλασσανseaAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί→ object specificationθάλασσαν: meaning 'sea'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (linking Moses' act to the LORD's action)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὑπήγαγενdrove backAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὑπάγωmain verb (the LORD's action: driving the sea away)→ constative aorist (the whole-night drive of the sea back)ὑπάγω: 'lead under, drive away, withdraw'; here 'drove back / caused to withdraw'; renders Hebrew וַיּוֹלֶךְ, 'led away'; the LORD as agent uses the natural instrument of wind.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of ὑπήγαγεν (the divine agent of the miracle)→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject of ὑπήγαγεν (the divine agent of the miracle).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θάλασσανseaAccusativeaccusative direct object of ὑπήγαγεν→ object specificationθάλασσαν: meaning 'sea'; it serves as accusative direct object of ὑπήγαγεν.
ἐνby / withpreposition + dative (instrumental: 'by means of a wind')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental: 'by means of a wind').
ἀνέμῳwindDativedative of instrument (the natural means of the miracle)→ sphere or referenceἄνεμος: 'wind'; the LORD uses natural means — the wind — for a supernatural end; the miracle is not independent of nature but sovereign over it.
νότῳsouthDativedative in apposition to ἀνέμῳ (specifying the wind direction)→ sphere or referenceνότος: 'south wind'; a critical LXX–MT divergence: the MT reads רוּחַ קָדִים עַזָּה ('a strong east wind'); the LXX consistently renders with νότος ('south'), also at Exod 10:13 LXX for the locust wind; the cause of the divergence is debated — different Vorlage, different interpretation, or theological adjustment.
βιαίῳstrong / violentDativedative attributive adjective modifying ἀνέμῳ→ sphere or referenceβίαιος: 'violent, forceful'; renders Hebrew עַזָּה ('strong, powerful'); the wind's intensity corresponds to the scale of the miracle.
ὅληνallAccusativeattributive adjective (the night as the full duration of the wind)→ object specificationὅλην: meaning 'all'; it serves as attributive adjective (the night as the full duration of the wind).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
νύκταnightAccusativeaccusative of time (the whole night = duration of the wind driving the sea back)→ object specificationνύκτα: meaning 'night'; it serves as accusative of time (the whole night = duration of the wind driving the sea back).
ξηράνdryAccusativepredicate adjective (the sea made dry: object complement of ἐποίησεν)→ object specificationξηρός: 'dry'; the miraculous result — the seabed dried out; connects to κατὰ τὸ ξηρόν (v.16, 22) and διὰ ξηρᾶς (v.29).
ἐσχίσθηwas splitAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · σχίζωmain verb (divine passive: the water split by divine action)→ constative aorist (the single event of division)σχίζω: 'split, divide'; the divine passive — God is the implicit agent; cf. Ps 77:13 LXX ἐσχίσθη ἡ θάλασσα ('the sea was split') in hymnic retrospect; the word fulfils ῥῆξον αὐτήν (v.16).
τὸtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὕδωρwaterNominativesubject of ἐσχίσθη→ participant prominenceὕδωρ: 'water'; the concrete physical reality of the miracle; the water that was an impassable barrier becomes the means of passage by its division.
22
καὶ εἰσῆλθον οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ εἰς μέσον τῆς θαλάσσης κατὰ τὸ ξηρόν· καὶ τὸ ὕδωρ αὐτοῖς τεῖχος ἐκ δεξιῶν καὶ τεῖχος ἐξ εὐωνύμων.
And the sons of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground; and the water was a wall to them on the right and a wall on the left.
The entry εἰσῆλθον fulfils the command of v.16 (εἰσελθέτωσαν … κατὰ τὸ ξηρόν). The iconic image of the chapter: τεῖχος ('wall') on right and left. τεῖχος renders Hebrew חֹמָה, a properly built wall — not a bank or cliff but a standing, constructed barrier; the LXX image emphasises the miraculous structural containment of the water. The verse is echoed in the sea-crossing hymn of Exod 15:8 and is the visual anchor of 1 Cor 10:1–2 (baptized in the sea).
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰσῆλθονwent inAor Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰσέρχομαιmain verb (Israel's act of faith: entering the divided sea)→ constative aorist (the completed act of entry)εἰσέρχομαι: 'enter'; fulfils the command εἰσελθέτωσαν (v.16); the act of entering the sea bed is the act of faith that Heb 11:29 describes ('by faith they crossed the Red Sea as on dry land').
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of εἰσῆλθον→ participant prominenceυἱοὶ: meaning 'sons'; it serves as subject of εἰσῆλθον.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction: into the sea's interior)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction: into the sea's interior).
μέσονmiddleAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (into the middle of the sea)→ object specificationμέσος: 'middle'; εἰς μέσον τῆς θαλάσσης = 'into the midst of the sea' — not along the shore but through the centre of the divided waters.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θαλάσσηςseaGenitivegenitive with μέσον→ relational specificationθαλάσσης: meaning 'sea'; it serves as genitive with μέσον.
κατὰonpreposition + accusative (manner/surface: walking on the dry ground)→ spatial or relational framingκατὰ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (manner/surface: walking on the dry ground).
τὸtheAccusativearticle (substantivizing adjective ξηρόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ξηρόνdry groundAccusativesubstantival adjective (the dried sea bed as the path)→ object specificationξηρός: 'dry'; κατὰ τὸ ξηρόν — the miraculous dryness is the signature of the crossing; repeated at v.29 as διὰ ξηρᾶς.
τὸtheNominativearticle (subject of the nominal predicate clause)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὕδωρwaterNominativesubject of the nominal clause (the water stands as a wall)→ participant prominenceὕδωρ: meaning 'water'; it serves as subject of the nominal clause (the water stands as a wall).
αὐτοῖςto themDativedative of advantage / reference (the wall existing for Israel's protection)→ participant reference or interestαὐτοῖς: meaning 'to them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage / reference (the wall existing for Israel's protection).
τεῖχοςwallNominativepredicate nominative (the water as a wall — the chapter's iconic image)→ participant prominenceτεῖχος: 'wall'; renders Hebrew חֹמָה — a properly built, standing wall; not a bank or cliff but a miraculous architectural barrier. The word emphasises vertical containment, a wall of water held in place by divine power. Repeated at v.29.
ἐκonpreposition + genitive (directional: from the right side)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (directional: from the right side).
δεξιῶνrightGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (the right side wall)→ relational specificationδεξιός: 'right'; ἐκ δεξιῶν / ἐξ εὐωνύμων (right / left) marks the complete bilateral enclosure of the passage — water on both sides, dry ground beneath.
τεῖχοςwallNominativepredicate nominative (second wall, on the left)→ participant prominenceτεῖχος: meaning 'wall'; it serves as predicate nominative (second wall, on the left).
ἐξonpreposition + genitive (left side)→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (left side).
εὐωνύμωνleftGenitivegenitive object of ἐξ (the left side wall)→ relational specificationεὐώνυμος: lit. 'of good omen' (a euphemism for 'left'); cf. δεξιός; the euphemistic term for the left side is a Greek usage applied to a Hebrew description.
23
κατεδίωξαν δὲ οἱ Αἰγύπτιοι καὶ εἰσῆλθον ὀπίσω αὐτῶν, πᾶσα ἡ ἵππος Φαραω καὶ τὰ ἅρματα καὶ οἱ ἀναβάται, εἰς μέσον τῆς θαλάσσης.
And the Egyptians pursued and entered after them — all the cavalry of Pharaoh and the chariots and the riders — into the midst of the sea.
The Egyptians enter the same passage (εἰς μέσον τῆς θαλάσσης) that Israel just traversed — but in pursuit rather than escape. Their entry fulfils the divine prediction of v.17 (εἰσελεύσονται ὀπίσω αὐτῶν). The military inventory (ἵππος, ἅρματα, ἀναβάται) recurs for the third time, building the irony: all this power follows Israel into the very corridor that will become their tomb.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
κατεδίωξανpursuedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · καταδιώκωmain verb (the Egyptian army's entry into the sea-passage)→ constative aoristκαταδιώκω: the verb recurs for the third time (vv.4, 8, 9); the relentless pursuit terminates here in the very place of their destruction.
δὲandpostpositive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγύπτιοιEgyptiansNominativesubject of κατεδίωξαν→ participant prominenceΑἰγύπτιοι: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as subject of κατεδίωξαν.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (linking the two actions: pursuit and entry)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰσῆλθονenteredAor Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰσέρχομαιmain verb (Egypt enters the divided sea — into the trap)→ constative aoristεἰσέρχομαι: the same verb used for Israel's commanded entry (v.16 εἰσελθέτωσαν) and Egypt's predicted entry (v.17 εἰσελεύσονται); the ironic parallel is deliberate.
ὀπίσωafteradverb / improper preposition (direction: after Israel)→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: meaning 'after'; here it marks the relation signaled by adverb / improper preposition (direction: after Israel).
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of ὀπίσω→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ὀπίσω.
πᾶσαallNominativeappositive attributive adjective (summarising the army in apposition to the subject)→ participant prominenceπᾶσα: meaning 'all'; it serves as appositive attributive adjective (summarising the army in apposition to the subject).
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἵπποςcavalryNominativeappositive subject (all the cavalry: first element of the inventory)→ participant prominenceἵππος: collective singular; all of Pharaoh's horse-power now inside the death-corridor.
ΦαραωPharaohindeclinable proper noun (genitive of possession: Pharaoh's cavalry)→ participant identificationΦαραω: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (genitive of possession: Pharaoh's cavalry).
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἅρματαchariotsNominativeappositive subject coordinate (second element of inventory)→ participant prominenceἅρματα: meaning 'chariots'; it serves as appositive subject coordinate (second element of inventory).
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀναβάταιridersNominativeappositive subject coordinate (third element: the mounted soldiers)→ participant prominenceἀναβάτης: 'rider, mounted soldier'; renders Hebrew הַפָּרָשִׁים or related term; the new word in the military inventory alongside ἵππος and ἅρματα.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (the fatal direction: into the middle of the sea)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (the fatal direction: into the middle of the sea).
μέσονmiddleAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (the interior of the sea)→ object specificationμέσον: meaning 'middle'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς (the interior of the sea).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θαλάσσηςseaGenitivegenitive with μέσον→ relational specificationθαλάσσης: meaning 'sea'; it serves as genitive with μέσον.
24
ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ τῇ ἑωθινῇ καὶ ἐπέβλεψεν κύριος ἐπὶ τὴν παρεμβολὴν τῶν Αἰγυπτίων ἐν στύλῳ πυρὸς καὶ νεφέλης καὶ συνετάραξεν τὴν παρεμβολὴν τῶν Αἰγυπτίων.
And it came to pass in the morning watch that the LORD looked down on the camp of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and threw the camp of the Egyptians into confusion.
ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ τῇ ἑωθινῇ ('in the morning watch') is approximately 3–6 a.m. — the last watch of the night. ἐπέβλεψεν ('looked down upon') is the theophanic gaze of judgment — cf. Ps 13:2; 14:2 LXX where the LORD looks down (κατεβλέψεν) to see if any understand. ἐν στύλῳ πυρὸς καὶ νεφέλης combines the two aspects of the divine presence (cloud by day, fire by night) — here together, as a combined theophanic appearance. συνετάραξεν ('threw into confusion') renders the Hebrew וַיָּהָם, a word for divine panic-warfare.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
ἐγένετοit came to passAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (temporal framing formula: 'it came about in the morning watch')→ ingressive aorist (marking the new time-phase at dawn)γίνομαι: the narrative formula ἐγένετο ἐν + time phrase calques the Hebrew וַיְהִי construction for time-staging.
δὲandpostpositive conjunction (scene transition: dawn arrives)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (temporal: in the morning watch)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (temporal: in the morning watch).
τῇtheDativearticle with dative noun (temporal)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλακῇwatchDativedative of time (in the watch)→ sphere or referenceφυλακή: 'guard-watch'; a division of the night; the ἑωθινή φυλακή ('morning watch') is approximately the last three hours before dawn, the time of darkness before light — the moment of transition chosen for the miracle.
τῇtheDativearticle with attributive adjective→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑωθινῇmorningDativeattributive adjective modifying φυλακῇ (the morning watch)→ sphere or referenceἑωθινός: 'of the morning, early morning'; the dawn watch — the final watch before sunrise, when the miracle reaches its climax.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (linking time-frame to divine action)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπέβλεψενlooked down uponAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιβλέπωmain verb (theophanic gaze of judgment)→ constative aorist (the decisive act of divine inspection-in-judgment)ἐπιβλέπω: 'look upon, gaze upon (with authority/judgment)'; renders Hebrew וַיַּשְׁקֵף ('he looked down'); the divine gaze is not merely observational but executive — it produces effect (v.24b–25).
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of ἐπέβλεψεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject of ἐπέβλεψεν.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (direction of the gaze: upon the Egyptian camp)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of the gaze: upon the Egyptian camp).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρεμβολὴνcampAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί (the Egyptian camp as the object of divine gaze)→ object specificationπαρεμβολὴν: meaning 'camp'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί (the Egyptian camp as the object of divine gaze).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίωνEgyptiansGenitivegenitive of possession (Egypt's camp as the target of judgment)→ relational specificationΑἰγυπτίων: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as genitive of possession (Egypt's camp as the target of judgment).
ἐνthrough / inpreposition + dative (instrumental / modal: through the pillar)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (instrumental / modal: through the pillar).
στύλῳpillarDativedative of instrument (the medium of the divine theophanic gaze)→ sphere or referenceστῦλος: 'pillar'; ἐν στύλῳ πυρὸς καὶ νεφέλης combines the two modes of divine presence — fire and cloud — in a single combined theophany; the pillar is the instrument through which the LORD's gaze of judgment comes.
πυρὸςof fireGenitivegenitive of description (the fire-pillar aspect of the divine presence)→ relational specificationπῦρ: 'fire'; the fire pillar (στῦλος πυρός) guided Israel by night (13:21–22); here combined with the cloud in a single dawn theophany of judgment.
νεφέληςof cloudGenitivegenitive of description (the cloud-pillar aspect)→ relational specificationνεφέλης: meaning 'of cloud'; it serves as genitive of description (the cloud-pillar aspect).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (linking gaze to the effect)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
συνετάραξενthrew into confusionAor Act Indic 3 Sg · συνταράσσωmain verb (the effect of the divine gaze: divine panic-warfare)→ constative aorist (the single overwhelming act of confusion)συνταράσσω: 'throw into utter confusion, completely disrupt'; renders Hebrew וַיָּהָם, the term for divinely induced panic in holy war (cf. Josh 10:10; Judg 4:15 LXX); the LORD himself sows chaos in the enemy's ranks.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρεμβολὴνcampAccusativeaccusative direct object of συνετάραξεν→ object specificationπαρεμβολὴν: meaning 'camp'; it serves as accusative direct object of συνετάραξεν.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίωνEgyptiansGenitivegenitive of possession (Egypt's camp — object of the confusion)→ relational specificationΑἰγυπτίων: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as genitive of possession (Egypt's camp — object of the confusion).
25
καὶ συνέδησεν τοὺς ἄξονας τῶν ἁρμάτων αὐτῶν καὶ ἤγαγεν αὐτοὺς μετὰ βίας. καὶ εἶπαν οἱ Αἰγύπτιοι· Φύγωμεν ἀπὸ προσώπου Ισραηλ· ὁ γὰρ κύριος πολεμεῖ περὶ αὐτῶν τοὺς Αἰγυπτίους.
And he bound the axles of their chariots and drove them with difficulty. And the Egyptians said: 'Let us flee from before Israel! For the LORD is fighting for them against the Egyptians.'
This is the chapter's key LXX–MT crux: συνέδησεν ('he bound') renders Hebrew וַיָּסַר, which most scholars translate as 'he removed / clogged'; the LXX's 'bound the axles' produces a different mechanical image — binding rather than clogging. The result is the same (chariots unable to advance), but the imagery differs. Egypt's own declaration — ὁ κύριος πολεμεῖ περὶ αὐτῶν ('the LORD fights for them') — echoes Moses' promise in v.14 exactly (πολεμήσει, same root), confirming the divine warrior's activity from the very mouths of the enemies.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
συνέδησενboundAor Act Indic 3 Sg · συνδέωmain verb (divine action on the chariot wheels: the LXX–MT crux)→ constative aorist (a single disabling act)συνδέω: 'bind together, fasten'; this is the crux: the LXX reads 'he bound the axles' where the MT has וַיָּסַר אֵת אֹפַן מַרְכְּבֹתָיו, 'he removed / caused to drag the wheels of their chariots.' The LXX's συνέδησεν produces a different image — locking the wheels in place rather than removing them — but both express divine disabling of the chariot force.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄξοναςaxlesAccusativeaccusative direct object of συνέδησεν→ object specificationἄξων: 'axle'; the axle connecting the wheels — binding it disables the chariot's mobility; the LXX reads 'axles' where the MT has 'wheels' (אֹפַן); a minor internal variant.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁρμάτωνchariotsGenitivegenitive of possession (whose axles: the chariots')→ relational specificationἁρμάτων: meaning 'chariots'; it serves as genitive of possession (whose axles: the chariots').
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (Egypt's chariots)→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (Egypt's chariots).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἤγαγενdroveAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἄγωmain verb (driving them with difficulty through the disabled chariots)→ constative aoristἄγω: 'lead, drive'; ἤγαγεν αὐτοὺς μετὰ βίας = 'drove them with force / difficulty'; the seabed, now returning, makes progress laborious.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἤγαγεν (the Egyptians / their chariots)→ participant referenceαὐτοὺς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative direct object of ἤγαγεν (the Egyptians / their chariots).
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (manner: 'with force/difficulty')→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (manner: 'with force/difficulty').
βίαςforce / difficultyGenitivegenitive object of μετά (the manner of the driving: with great effort)→ relational specificationβία: 'force, violence, difficulty'; μετὰ βίας = 'with force / with difficulty'; the phrase describes the laborious, impossible movement of the crippled chariots in the sea-bed.
εἶπανsaidAor Act Indic 3 Pl · λέγωmain verb (Egypt's speech of recognition and panic)→ constative aoristλέγω (aor. εἶπαν, Koine form): introduces the third invitation.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγύπτιοιEgyptiansNominativesubject of εἶπαν→ participant prominenceΑἰγύπτιοι: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as subject of εἶπαν.
Φύγωμενlet us fleeAor Act Subj 1 Pl · φεύγωmain verb of quoted speech (hortatory subjunctive: 'let us flee')→ ingressive aorist subjunctive (immediate, desperate flight)φεύγω: 'flee'; the same root as πέφευγεν (v.5 — Israel 'had fled'); now Egypt flees the same God Israel feared; the ironic reversal is complete.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (flight from the face of Israel)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (flight from the face of Israel).
προσώπουfaceGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (Hebraism: ἀπὸ προσώπου = 'from before')→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: 'face, front'; ἀπὸ προσώπου is a Hebraism (מִפְּנֵי) = 'from before / away from the presence of'; the Egyptians flee from the face of the people they were hunting.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun (genitive of ἀπό: from before Israel)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (genitive of ἀπό: from before Israel).
ὁtheNominativearticle (beginning Egypt's confession)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction (Egypt gives its reason for fleeing)→ discourse linkage or contrastγάρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of πολεμεῖ (Egypt's recognition of the divine warrior)→ participant prominenceκύριος: Egypt's forced recognition of the divine name — they name the LORD as the agent of their defeat, fulfilling the recognition formula of vv.4, 18.
πολεμεῖis fightingPres Act Indic 3 Sg · πολεμέωmain verb (Egypt's own confession of the divine warrior)→ progressive present (the LORD actively fighting as they speak)πολεμέω: echoes Moses' promise κύριος πολεμήσει περὶ ὑμῶν (v.14) — now confirmed in the present tense by Egypt's own lips; the divine-warrior promise is fulfilled in real time.
περὶforpreposition + genitive (advantage: on behalf of them)→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (advantage: on behalf of them).
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of περί (Israel, for whom the LORD fights)→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of περί (Israel, for whom the LORD fights).
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (accusative of the Egyptians as the direct object of warfare)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίουςEgyptiansAccusativeaccusative direct object of πολεμεῖ (the enemy the LORD fights against)→ object specificationΑἰγύπτιος: Egypt confesses its own status as the LORD's enemy; the recognition formula is ironically self-applied.
26
εἶπεν δὲ κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν· Ἔκτεινον τὴν χεῖρά σου ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν, καὶ ἀποκαταστήτω τὸ ὕδωρ καὶ ἐπικαλυψάτω τοὺς Αἰγυπτίους, ἐπί τε τὰ ἅρματα καὶ τοὺς ἀναβάτας.
And the LORD said to Moses: 'Stretch out your hand over the sea, and let the water return and cover the Egyptians — the chariots and the riders.'
The command ἔκτεινον τὴν χεῖρά σου ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν exactly mirrors v.16 and v.21, forming a structural bracket: Moses stretches his hand to open the sea (v.21) and now to close it. The two purpose-verbs ἀποκαταστήτω ('let it return') and ἐπικαλυψάτω ('let it cover') are aorist imperatives — decisive, irrevocable commands for the sea's return over the enemy.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (divine speech introduction)→ constative aoristεἶπεν: verbal form rendered 'said' here; its aspect and clause role are specified by the parse and syntax fields.
δέandpostpositive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of εἶπεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject of εἶπεν.
Ἔκτεινονstretch outAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἐκτείνωmain verb of command (mirror of v.16: Moses' closing gesture)→ ingressive aorist imperativeἐκτείνω: the same verb as in v.16 and v.21; the structural bracket is intentional — Moses' stretched hand opens and closes the sea.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖράhandAccusativeaccusative direct object of Ἔκτεινον→ object specificationχεῖρά: meaning 'hand'; it serves as accusative direct object of Ἔκτεινον.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (direction of gesture)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of gesture).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θάλασσανseaAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί→ object specificationθάλασσαν: meaning 'sea'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (linking command to its purpose)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀποκαταστήτωlet it returnAor Act Impv 3 Sg · ἀποκαθίστημιthird-person imperative (the water commanded to return to its place)→ ingressive aorist imperative (the single decisive act of return)ἀποκαθίστημι: 'restore, return to original state'; the sea returns to its natural place — ἐπὶ χώρας ('to its place') at v.27; the verb carries a sense of cosmic restoration after the miraculous interruption.
τὸtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὕδωρwaterNominativesubject of ἀποκαταστήτω and ἐπικαλυψάτω→ participant prominenceὕδωρ: meaning 'water'; it serves as subject of ἀποκαταστήτω and ἐπικαλυψάτω.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (linking the two commands to the water)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπικαλυψάτωlet it coverAor Act Impv 3 Sg · ἐπικαλύπτωthird-person imperative (the water covers the enemy: the drowning command)→ ingressive aorist imperative (the act of covering = drowning)ἐπικαλύπτω: 'cover over, overwhelm'; the water covering the Egyptians is the climax of the miracle; renders Hebrew יְכַסּוּ.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίουςEgyptiansAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἐπικαλυψάτω (the Egyptians to be covered)→ object specificationΑἰγυπτίους: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as accusative direct object of ἐπικαλυψάτω (the Egyptians to be covered).
τὰtheAccusativearticle (in appositive elaboration: the specific components to be covered)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἅρματαchariotsAccusativeaccusative in appositive elaboration of τοὺς Αἰγυπτίους→ object specificationἅρματα: meaning 'chariots'; it serves as accusative in appositive elaboration of τοὺς Αἰγυπτίους.
ἀναβάταςridersAccusativeaccusative coordinate (riders, to be covered with the chariots)→ object specificationἀναβάτας: meaning 'riders'; it serves as accusative coordinate (riders, to be covered with the chariots).
27
ἐξέτεινεν δὲ Μωυσῆς τὴν χεῖρα ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν, καὶ ἀπεκατέστη τὸ ὕδωρ πρὸς ἡμέραν ἐπὶ χώρας· οἱ δὲ Αἰγύπτιοι ἔφυγον ὑπὸ τὸ ὕδωρ· καὶ ἐξετίναξεν κύριος τοὺς Αἰγυπτίους μέσον τῆς θαλάσσης.
And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the water returned to its place; but the Egyptians were fleeing under the water, and the LORD shook the Egyptians into the midst of the sea.
The structural bracket closes: ἐξέτεινεν Μωυσῆς (cf. vv.16, 21). The sea returns ἐπὶ χώρας ('to its place') — a phrase rendered in English as 'to its place/position'; χώρα = 'position, region, place'. The detail πρὸς ἡμέραν ('at daybreak') marks the transition from the night of miracle to the morning of deliverance. ἔφυγον ὑπὸ τὸ ὕδωρ ('fled under the water') is a vivid image: the Egyptians are still in flight even as the sea covers them. ἐξετίναξεν ('shook out') renders Hebrew וַיְנַעֵר — a vigorous verb of shaking off.
Word-by-word analysis· 30 words
ἐξέτεινενstretched outAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐκτείνωmain verb (Moses' third and final hand-gesture: closing the sea)→ constative aorist (fulfilment of the command at v.26)ἐκτείνω: the third occurrence of the gesture (vv.16, 21, 27); the three-time repetition brackets the miracle.
δέandpostpositive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΜωυσῆςMosesNominativesubject of ἐξέτεινεν→ participant prominenceΜωυσῆς: meaning 'Moses'; it serves as subject of ἐξέτεινεν.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραhandAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἐξέτεινεν→ object specificationχεῖρα: meaning 'hand'; it serves as accusative direct object of ἐξέτεινεν.
ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θάλασσανseaAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί→ object specificationθάλασσαν: meaning 'sea'; it serves as accusative object of ἐπί.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπεκατέστηreturnedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκαθίστημιmain verb (the sea's return to its natural state)→ constative aorist (the completed act of return)ἀποκαθίστημι: 'restore, return'; fulfils the command ἀποκαταστήτω of v.26; the sea returns to its original state — the miracle is complete.
τὸtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὕδωρwaterNominativesubject of ἀπεκατέστη→ participant prominenceὕδωρ: meaning 'water'; it serves as subject of ἀπεκατέστη.
πρὸςat / towardpreposition + accusative (temporal: toward daybreak)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'at'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (temporal: toward daybreak).
ἡμέρανdaybreakAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (temporal: at / toward the dawn)→ object specificationἡμέρα: 'day / daybreak'; πρὸς ἡμέραν = 'at dawn, toward morning'; the miracle completes at the very transition from darkness to light — theologically fitting.
ἐπὶtopreposition + genitive (positional: to its place)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (positional: to its place).
χώραςits placeGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί (the sea's natural position)→ relational specificationχώρα: 'place, position, region'; ἐπὶ χώρας = 'to its place / into its position'; the sea returns to its God-given natural station — the miracle is reversible, unlike the destruction it causes.
οἱtheNominativearticle (beginning of contrastive clause)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲbutpostpositive adversative (contrastive: sea returns / Egyptians still fleeing)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΑἰγύπτιοιEgyptiansNominativesubject of ἔφυγον→ participant prominenceΑἰγύπτιοι: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as subject of ἔφυγον.
ἔφυγονwere fleeingAor Act Indic 3 Pl · φεύγωmain verb (Egypt's flight: futile, under water)→ constative aorist (the futile act of flight now overtaken by the sea)φεύγω: 'flee'; their flight (begun in v.25) continues even as the sea covers them — a vivid image of hopeless, overtaken panic.
ὑπὸunderpreposition + accusative (spatial: the Egyptians submerged under the water)→ spatial or relational framingὑπὸ: meaning 'under'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (spatial: the Egyptians submerged under the water).
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὕδωρwaterAccusativeaccusative object of ὑπό (they flee under the returning water)→ object specificationὕδωρ: meaning 'water'; it serves as accusative object of ὑπό (they flee under the returning water).
ἐξετίναξενshook outAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐκτινάσσωmain verb (the LORD's violent disposal of the Egyptian army)→ constative aorist (the single vigorous act of overthrow)ἐκτινάσσω: 'shake out, shake off vigorously'; renders Hebrew וַיְנַעֵר ('he shook/tossed'); the image is of God shaking Egypt into the sea as one shakes refuse off a garment — a verb of contemptuous finality.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject (the divine warrior acts directly)→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject (the divine warrior acts directly).
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίουςEgyptiansAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἐξετίναξεν→ object specificationΑἰγυπτίους: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as accusative direct object of ἐξετίναξεν.
μέσονinto the midstAccusativeaccusative (direction: into the middle of the sea)→ object specificationμέσος: 'middle'; the LORD shakes the Egyptians into the midst of the sea — the same corridor that Israel traversed safely becomes Egypt's grave.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θαλάσσηςseaGenitivegenitive with μέσον→ relational specificationθαλάσσης: meaning 'sea'; it serves as genitive with μέσον.
28
καὶ ἐπαναστραφὲν τὸ ὕδωρ ἐκάλυψεν τὰ ἅρματα καὶ τοὺς ἀναβάτας καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν δύναμιν Φαραω τοὺς εἰσεληλυθότας ὀπίσω αὐτῶν εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν· καὶ οὐ κατελείφθη ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐδὲ εἷς.
And the water, having turned back, covered the chariots and the riders and all the force of Pharaoh who had entered after them into the sea; and not one of them was left.
ἐπαναστραφέν ('having turned back') is a participle describing the water's movement as it closed over the army. The itemised list (ἅρματα, ἀναβάτας, πᾶσαν τὴν δύναμιν) exhaustively covers the military force catalogued in vv.6–9, 17, 23 — but now their inventory is a death-toll. The final clause οὐ κατελείφθη ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐδὲ εἷς ('not even one of them was left') is a formula of total annihilation — the strongest possible negation.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπαναστραφὲνhaving turned backAor Pass Part Nom Sg Neut · ἐπαναστρέφωnominative participle of attendant circumstance (the water's return as it covers the army)→ constative aorist (the completed turning back of the water)ἐπαναστρέφω: 'turn back upon, return upon'; the prefix ἐπ- adds the nuance of return upon the Egyptians — the water actively turns back to overwhelm them.
τὸtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὕδωρwaterNominativesubject of ἐκάλυψεν→ participant prominenceὕδωρ: meaning 'water'; it serves as subject of ἐκάλυψεν.
ἐκάλυψενcoveredAor Act Indic 3 Sg · καλύπτωmain verb (the covering: fulfilment of v.26 ἐπικαλυψάτω)→ constative aorist (the single act of covering = drowning)καλύπτω: 'cover, overwhelm'; fulfils the command ἐπικαλυψάτω at v.26; the Sea covers (drowns) the entire force — Exod 15:5 LXX hymns this as 'the deep covered them.'
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἅρματαchariotsAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἐκάλυψεν (first item covered)→ object specificationἅρματα: meaning 'chariots'; it serves as accusative direct object of ἐκάλυψεν (first item covered).
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀναβάταςridersAccusativeaccusative coordinate (second item covered)→ object specificationἀναβάτας: meaning 'riders'; it serves as accusative coordinate (second item covered).
πᾶσανallAccusativeattributive adjective (totality of force)→ object specificationπᾶσαν: meaning 'all'; it serves as attributive adjective (totality of force).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δύναμινforceAccusativeaccusative coordinate (third item: the whole army)→ object specificationδύναμις: 'force, power, army'; πᾶσαν τὴν δύναμιν = 'all the military force'; the comprehensive term after the itemised list signals that nothing escaped.
ΦαραωPharaohindeclinable proper noun (genitive of possession: Pharaoh's whole force)→ participant identificationΦαραω: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (genitive of possession: Pharaoh's whole force).
τοὺςthoseAccusativearticle with attributive participle (identifying which of Pharaoh's force)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εἰσεληλυθόταςhaving enteredPerf Act Part Acc Pl Masc · εἰσέρχομαιattributive participle (identifying the army as those who entered the sea: the perfect stress)→ intensive perfect (the completed, irreversible act of having entered)εἰσέρχομαι: the perfect participle marks a completed prior action (they had already entered) with present consequence (they are now inside it); their entry becomes their irreversible fate.
ὀπίσωafteradverb / improper preposition (direction: after Israel)→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: meaning 'after'; here it marks the relation signaled by adverb / improper preposition (direction: after Israel).
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of ὀπίσω→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ὀπίσω.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (the location entered: the sea)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (the location entered: the sea).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θάλασσανseaAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (the sea as the place of entry and death)→ object specificationθάλασσαν: meaning 'sea'; it serves as accusative object of εἰς (the sea as the place of entry and death).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (appending the annihilation formula)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐnotnegation (reinforced by οὐδέ εἷς: total negation)→ participant referenceοὐ: meaning 'not'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as negation (reinforced by οὐδέ εἷς: total negation).
κατελείφθηwas leftAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · καταλείπωmain verb (annihilation formula: divine passive — God left none)→ constative aorist (the completed total destruction)καταλείπω: 'leave behind, leave remaining'; the passive divine action — God left not one; renders Hebrew לֹא נִשְׁאַר בָּהֶם עַד אֶחָד.
ἐξofpreposition + genitive (partitive: of them — none was left)→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'of'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (partitive: of them — none was left).
αὐτῶνthemGenitivepartitive genitive (of the Egyptians: not one remained)→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as partitive genitive (of the Egyptians: not one remained).
οὐδὲnot evenintensified negation (reinforcing οὐ: 'not even one')→ clausal contributionοὐδὲ: meaning 'not even'; it shapes the local clause or phrase relation in this passage.
εἷςoneNominativesubject of κατελείφθη (the individual survivor who does not exist)→ measure or countεἷς: 'one'; οὐ … οὐδὲ εἷς = 'not even one'; the emphatic formula of total annihilation is the strongest possible negation — absolute zero survivors.
29
οἱ δὲ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ἐπορεύθησαν διὰ ξηρᾶς ἐν μέσῳ τῆς θαλάσσης, τὸ δὲ ὕδωρ αὐτοῖς τεῖχος ἐκ δεξιῶν καὶ τεῖχος ἐξ εὐωνύμων.
But the sons of Israel walked through dry land in the midst of the sea, and the water was a wall to them on the right and a wall on the left.
The verse deliberately reprises v.22 (almost word for word) in the aftermath of Egypt's destruction: Israel's crossing, set in contrast (δέ) to the annihilation of v.28. The shift from εἰσῆλθον (entered, v.22) to ἐπορεύθησαν (walked) and from κατὰ τὸ ξηρόν (on dry ground) to διὰ ξηρᾶς (through dry land) adds the sense of passage completed. The two-τεῖχος image (wall on right / wall on left) is repeated verbatim — here as a victorious recollection rather than a description in progress. This verse is the basis of Heb 11:29 ('by faith they crossed the Red Sea as on dry land').
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
οἱtheNominativearticle (subject of contrastive clause)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲbutpostpositive adversative (Israel contrasted with the destroyed Egyptians)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἐπορεύθησαν→ participant prominenceυἱοὶ: meaning 'sons'; it serves as subject of ἐπορεύθησαν.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun.
ἐπορεύθησανwalkedAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · πορεύομαιmain verb (Israel's completed crossing: the passage reviewed)→ constative aorist (the whole crossing viewed as a completed event)πορεύομαι: 'go, walk, journey'; the aorist marks the crossing as a completed event; the verb is stronger than the mere entry of v.22 (εἰσῆλθον) — they walked through. Heb 11:29 summarises this as διαβαίνω ('pass through').
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (manner of passage: through the dry land)→ spatial or relational framingδιά: 'through'; διὰ ξηρᾶς ('through dry land') shifts from v.22's κατὰ τὸ ξηρόν — the preposition emphasises passage through a medium, not merely walking on a surface.
ξηρᾶςdry landGenitivegenitive object of διά (the dry land as the medium of passage)→ relational specificationξηρός: 'dry'; the genitive substantival adjective ξηρᾶς = 'dry [land/ground]'; the dryness is the miracle's signature — an impassable sea made dry ground for covenant passage.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative: in the midst of the sea)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: in the midst of the sea).
μέσῳmidstDativedative of location (in the middle of the sea)→ sphere or referenceμέσῳ: meaning 'midst'; it serves as dative of location (in the middle of the sea).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θαλάσσηςseaGenitivegenitive with μέσῳ→ relational specificationθαλάσσης: meaning 'sea'; it serves as genitive with μέσῳ.
τὸtheNominativearticle (subject of the nominal predicate clause, repeated from v.22)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲandpostpositive conjunction (adding the wall-description)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὕδωρwaterNominativesubject of the nominal clause→ participant prominenceὕδωρ: meaning 'water'; it serves as subject of the nominal clause.
αὐτοῖςto themDativedative of advantage (the walls for Israel's benefit)→ participant reference or interestαὐτοῖς: meaning 'to them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage (the walls for Israel's benefit).
τεῖχοςwallNominativepredicate nominative (the water as wall — iconic image repeated from v.22)→ participant prominenceτεῖχος: 'wall'; repeated verbatim from v.22; the repetition functions as a liturgical summary — what was narrated in v.22 is now recalled as a memorial of completed salvation.
ἐκonpreposition + genitive (right side)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (right side).
δεξιῶνrightGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (right-side wall)→ relational specificationδεξιῶν: meaning 'right'; it serves as genitive object of ἐκ (right-side wall).
τεῖχοςwallNominativepredicate nominative (second wall, on the left)→ participant prominenceτεῖχος: meaning 'wall'; it serves as predicate nominative (second wall, on the left).
ἐξonpreposition + genitive (left side)→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (left side).
εὐωνύμωνleftGenitivegenitive object of ἐξ (left-side wall)→ relational specificationεὐωνύμων: meaning 'left'; it serves as genitive object of ἐξ (left-side wall).
30
καὶ ἐρρύσατο κύριος τὸν Ισραηλ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ἐκ χειρὸς τῶν Αἰγυπτίων· καὶ εἶδεν Ισραηλ τοὺς Αἰγυπτίους τεθνηκότας παρὰ τὸ χεῖλος τῆς θαλάσσης.
And the LORD delivered Israel on that day from the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead by the shore of the sea.
ἐρρύσατο ('delivered') is the covenantal rescue verb (λύτρον / ῥύομαι cluster), rendering Hebrew וַיּוֹשַׁע ('he saved'); the LXX's ῥύομαι emphasises 'rescue from an enemy's grip' — ἐκ χειρὸς τῶν Αἰγυπτίων ('from the hand of the Egyptians') is the specific deliverance formula. ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ('on that day') is a formula marking a decisive historical moment. The final sight — Israel seeing the Egyptians dead (τεθνηκότας, perfect: permanently dead) by the shore — is both the empirical confirmation of deliverance and the visual basis of the faith-response in v.31.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (closing the destruction narrative)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐρρύσατοdeliveredAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ῥύομαιmain verb (the covenantal rescue formula)→ constative aorist (the completed act of deliverance)ῥύομαι: 'rescue, deliver, snatch from danger'; the middle voice emphasises God acting in his own interest as covenant Lord; renders Hebrew וַיּוֹשַׁע (Hif. of יָשַׁע, 'save'). The ῥύομαι root in the LXX denotes active, forceful rescue from an enemy's grip — stronger than mere σῴζω.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of ἐρρύσατο (the rescuer)→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject of ἐρρύσατο (the rescuer).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun (accusative object of ἐρρύσατο: the rescued party)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: now accusative by context (governed by τόν); the whole nation as the object of divine rescue.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (temporal: on that day)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (temporal: on that day).
τῇtheDativearticle with dative temporal noun→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of time (the day of rescue)→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: 'day'; ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ('on that day') is a Hebrew formula marking a decisive historical moment; it frames the crossing as the day Israel became a delivered nation.
ἐκείνῃthatDativedemonstrative adjective modifying ἡμέρᾳ (the particular day in view)→ sphere or referenceἐκείνῃ: meaning 'that'; it serves as demonstrative adjective modifying ἡμέρᾳ (the particular day in view).
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source of the danger escaped: 'out of the hand of')→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source of the danger escaped: 'out of the hand of').
χειρὸςhandGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (ἐκ χειρός = 'from the grip/power of')→ relational specificationχείρ: 'hand'; ἐκ χειρός is a Hebraism (מִיַּד) for being 'in the power of / under the control of'; here: Israel freed from Egypt's military grip.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίωνEgyptiansGenitivegenitive object of χειρός (the enemy from whose hand Israel is rescued)→ relational specificationΑἰγυπτίων: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as genitive object of χειρός (the enemy from whose hand Israel is rescued).
εἶδενsawAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (Israel's visual confirmation of deliverance)→ constative aoristὁράω: 'see'; the same verb as at v.10 (Israel saw the Egyptian army approaching in terror) and v.13 (Moses' 'see the salvation') — now fulfilled: Israel sees not the enemy advancing but the enemy dead.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun (subject of εἶδεν)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (subject of εἶδεν).
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle with accusative noun + participle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίουςEgyptiansAccusativeaccusative direct object of εἶδεν (the Egyptians seen as dead)→ object specificationΑἰγυπτίους: meaning 'Egyptians'; it serves as accusative direct object of εἶδεν (the Egyptians seen as dead).
τεθνηκόταςdeadPerf Act Part Acc Pl Masc · θνῄσκωaccusative participle in indirect discourse (object complement: 'saw them [as] dead')→ intensive perfect (they are irrevocably, permanently dead)θνῄσκω: 'die'; the perfect participle τεθνηκότας = 'dead (and permanently remaining so)'; the perfect tense underlines the irreversible state — not 'dying' but 'dead.' Israel sees with its own eyes the total reality of Egypt's destruction.
παρὰbypreposition + accusative (spatial: beside the shore)→ spatial or relational framingπαρὰ: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (spatial: beside the shore).
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖλοςshoreAccusativeaccusative object of παρά (the shore where the bodies lie)→ object specificationχεῖλος: 'lip, edge, shore'; renders Hebrew שְׂפַת הַיָּם ('the shore of the sea'); the bodies thrown up by the sea are visible on the shore — the empirical, undeniable proof of deliverance.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θαλάσσηςseaGenitivegenitive with χεῖλος (the shore of the sea)→ relational specificationθαλάσσης: meaning 'sea'; it serves as genitive with χεῖλος (the shore of the sea).
31
εἶδεν δὲ Ισραηλ τὴν χεῖρα τὴν μεγάλην, ἃ ἐποίησεν κύριος τοῖς Αἰγυπτίοις· ἐφοβήθη δὲ ὁ λαὸς τὸν κύριον καὶ ἐπίστευσαν τῷ θεῷ καὶ Μωυσῇ τῷ θεράποντι αὐτοῦ.
And Israel saw the great hand that the LORD had wielded against the Egyptians; and the people feared the LORD and believed in God and in Moses his servant.
The chapter ends with a threefold response: seeing (εἶδεν), fearing (ἐφοβήθη), and believing (ἐπίστευσαν). τὴν χεῖρα τὴν μεγάλην ('the great hand') is the chapter's culminating image: the divine warrior's hand — contrasting with the many hands mentioned earlier (Moses' stretched hand, Egypt's grip, Israel's 'high hand') — is now revealed as the controlling reality. ἐπίστευσαν τῷ θεῷ καὶ Μωυσῇ τῷ θεράποντι αὐτοῦ ('they believed in God and in Moses his servant') is the chapter's faith-summary, standing behind Paul's 'baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea' (1 Cor 10:1–2) and Heb 11:29 ('by faith they passed through the Red Sea'). θεράπων ('servant') — the LXX's chosen word for Moses — is a royal term (distinguished from δοῦλος) denoting Moses' unique status as intimate confidant of the divine king (cf. Num 12:7–8 LXX).
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
εἶδενsawAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (Israel's concluding vision: the great hand)→ constative aoristὁράω: the third key occurrence of 'seeing' in the chapter (v.10 terror; v.13 Moses' command to see salvation; v.30 the dead Egyptians; now v.31 the great hand) — the narrative is structured around the education of Israel's vision.
δὲandpostpositive conjunction (continuation: from the sight of the dead to the sight of the great hand)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun (subject of εἶδεν)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as indeclinable proper noun (subject of εἶδεν).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle with accusative direct object→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραhandAccusativeaccusative direct object of εἶδεν (the divine hand as the object seen)→ object specificationχείρ: 'hand'; τὴν χεῖρα τὴν μεγάλην ('the great hand') is the chapter's culminating image — the divine warrior's hand set over against Moses' stretched hand (vv.16, 21, 26) and Egypt's 'hand' from which Israel was rescued (v.30); renders Hebrew אֶת הַיָּד הַגְּדֹלָה.
τὴνthe [one]Accusativerepeated article (attributive position: 'the hand — specifically, the great one')→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μεγάληνgreatAccusativeattributive adjective modifying χεῖρα (the magnificent, overpowering hand)→ object specificationμέγας: 'great, large, mighty'; the adjective placed after a repeated article (attributive emphasis) underlines the overwhelming power of the divine action that Israel now recognises.
ἃwhatAccusativerelative pronoun (neuter plural accusative: 'the things the LORD did')→ participant referenceὅς (neut. pl.): the neuter plural relative ἃ ('what / the things which') refers to the deeds performed by the great hand — the totality of the miracle.
ἐποίησενhe had doneAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb of relative clause (the deeds of the great hand against Egypt)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do, accomplish'; τὴν χεῖρα … ἃ ἐποίησεν κύριος = 'the great hand, namely what the LORD did' — the deeds are the content of the hand's action.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of ἐποίησεν (the divine agent of the great hand)→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'the LORD'; it serves as subject of ἐποίησεν (the divine agent of the great hand).
τοῖςtheDativearticle with dative noun→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑἰγυπτίοιςEgyptiansDativedative of disadvantage (against the Egyptians: the victims of the great hand)→ sphere or referenceΑἰγύπτιος: the Egyptians as the recipients of divine judgment; the dative of disadvantage marks them as those harmed by the LORD's action.
ἐφοβήθηfearedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · φοβέωmain verb (Israel's first response: reverential fear of the LORD)→ ingressive aorist (onset of the new, holy fear)φοβέω (pass.): 'fear'; the same verb as ἐφοβήθησαν σφόδρα at v.10 — but the referent has changed entirely: there, panic before Pharaoh; here, reverent awe before the LORD. The ingressive aorist marks a decisive new disposition of the people.
δὲandpostpositive conjunction (continuation: from seeing to fearing)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαὸςpeopleNominativesubject of ἐφοβήθη and ἐπίστευσαν→ participant prominenceλαός: 'people'; the same word as Pharaoh's 'his people' earlier — but here the LORD's people, now constituted as a worshipping community through their passage through the sea.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle with accusative direct object of ἐφοβήθη→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κύριονthe LORDAccusativeaccusative direct object of ἐφοβήθη (the object of reverent fear)→ object specificationκύριος: the LORD as the object of Israel's fear; the phrase ἐφοβήθη … τὸν κύριον is the standard expression of covenant reverence (cf. Deut 6:13 LXX).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (linking fear to belief)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπίστευσανbelievedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · πιστεύωmain verb (Israel's covenant-founding act of faith)→ ingressive aorist (the onset of believing-trust as a new reality)πιστεύω: 'believe, trust, have faith'; ἐπίστευσαν τῷ θεῷ — dative of the one trusted — is the OT formula for faith (Gen 15:6 LXX: Abram ἐπίστευσεν τῷ θεῷ); this is the founding faith-act of the Exodus community. Paul builds 1 Cor 10:1–2 on this event — 'baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea'; Heb 11:29 names it as the paradigm of faith; and the formula ἐπίστευσαν τῷ θεῷ here answers to the recognition formula (vv.4, 18) on Israel's side: Egypt is forced to know; Israel chooses to believe.
τῷinDativearticle with dative object of ἐπίστευσαν→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεῷGodDativedative of the one trusted (ἐπιστεύω + dative: to put one's faith in)→ sphere or referenceθεός: 'God'; the dative θεῷ marks the personal commitment of faith; the formula ἐπίστευσαν τῷ θεῷ καὶ Μωυσῇ pairs God and Moses as joint objects of Israel's trust — Moses as the mediator through whom the divine saving act was enacted.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adding Moses as joint object of faith)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΜωυσῇMosesDativedative of the one trusted (coordinate with θεῷ: faith in Moses as mediator)→ sphere or referenceΜωυσῆς: dative Μωυσῇ; Moses is the joint object of faith alongside God — not as co-equal but as the authorised mediator through whom God acted; cf. John 5:46 ('had you believed Moses, you would believe me'); the pairing is the basis of Paul's 'baptized into Moses' in 1 Cor 10:2.
τῷtheDativearticle with dative noun (identifying which Moses: the θεράπων)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεράποντιservantDativedative appositive (Moses identified by his role as the LORD's servant)→ sphere or referenceθεράπων: 'attendant, servant (of high status)'; distinct from δοῦλος in the LXX — θεράπων denotes an intimate personal attendant of the king; used of Moses specifically at Num 12:7–8 LXX: 'my servant Moses … I speak with him mouth to mouth.' The choice of θεράπων rather than δοῦλος marks Moses' unique mediatorial intimacy with God. Earlier in v.5, the Egyptians' own θεράποντες had turned against Israel — now Moses, the LORD's θεράπων, is the object of Israel's faith.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (the LORD's servant: Moses belongs to the LORD)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: 'his'; the pronoun affirms Moses' status as belonging to the LORD — the servant possesses by virtue of the master who owns him in covenant loyalty.