King James Version

What Does Exodus 6:4 Mean?

Exodus 6:4 in the King James Version says “And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherei... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.

Exodus 6:4 · King James Version


Context

2

And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: the LORD: or, JEHOVAH

3

And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

4

And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.

5

And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.

6

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Verse 4 continues the covenantal reaffirmation. God's sevenfold promise ('I will bring out, deliver, redeem, take, be your God, bring in, give') comprehensively describes salvation from multiple angles, foreshadowing the gospel's complete deliverance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern covenant formulas used repetitive structures to emphasize commitment. The detailed promises in verses 4-4 establish the legal and relational foundation for the Exodus.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which aspect of God's comprehensive salvation most speaks to your need?
  2. How does this covenant structure foreshadow Christ's redemption?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְגַ֨ם1 of 16
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הֲקִמֹ֤תִי2 of 16

And I have also established

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת3 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּרִיתִי֙4 of 16

my covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אִתָּ֔ם5 of 16
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לָתֵ֥ת6 of 16

with them to give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֖ם7 of 16
H0
אֶת8 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶ֥רֶץ9 of 16

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כְּנָ֑עַן10 of 16

of Canaan

H3667

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

אֵ֛ת11 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶ֥רֶץ12 of 16

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מְגֻֽרֵיהֶ֖ם13 of 16

of their pilgrimage

H4033

a temporary abode; by extension, a permanent residence

אֲשֶׁר14 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

גָּ֥רוּ15 of 16

wherein they were strangers

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

בָֽהּ׃16 of 16
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 6:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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