What Does Exodus 34:12 Mean in the King James?
Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
Under the familiar “make a covenant,” Hebrew keeps the image of cutting; that bond can become a snare in the very midst where it is made.
THE MEANING
When you enter a place and bind yourself to those who inhabit it, the bond can become a snare in your own midst. Its danger lies in a relationship gaining a place inside your life and holding you there.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
A bond I choose cannot become a trap for me.
THE ROOT
כָּרַת בְּרִית
karat berit
GROWS FROM
כרת
k-r-t
to cut, sever
The KJV’s “make a covenant” carries the Hebrew image of cutting a covenant beneath the familiar phrase. The verse places a snare in the midst of the one who enters that bond.
ALSO GROWS
karat: to cut
כָּרַת
This is the verb in the phrase “cut a covenant,” keeping a concrete image inside the act of making an agreement.
nikhrat: to be cut off, severed
נִכְרַת
This form shows the same root describing what happens when a bond or connection is cut.
מוֹקֵשׁ
moqesh
GROWS FROM
יקש
y-q-sh
to set a snare, ensnare
The snare is not left outside the person: the verse places it “in thy midst.” The root links the trap with the act and agent of trapping, showing how entanglement can take hold within.
ALSO GROWS
yaqash: to set a snare, ensnare
יָקַשׁ
The verb names the trapping action behind the snare in the verse.
yaqosh: fowler, trap-setter
יָקוֹשׁ
The same root names the one who sets the trap, linking the snare to the means by which someone is caught.
הִשָּׁמֶר
hishamer
GROWS FROM
שמר
sh-m-r
to keep, guard, watch over
“Take heed” is a guarding word: the verse begins with keeping watch over yourself as you enter a binding relationship. Its root connects attention with the active custody of what is entrusted to your care.
ALSO GROWS
shomer: keeper, watcher
שֹׁמֵר
This form names the one who guards, showing the watchfulness carried in “take heed.”
mishmeret: charge, guard duty
מִשְׁמֶרֶת
This branch describes something kept under watch, adding the sense of entrusted care to the verse’s warning.
THE PATTERN
What gains a hold through attachment, fear, or desire can become a snare.
And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.THE THREAD
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.Proverbs uses the same Hebrew word, מוֹקֵשׁ (moqesh), for “snare.” Exodus names a bond with the inhabitants as a possible trap in your midst; Proverbs shows that fear of people can carry the same trap within.
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