Exodus 20:2
What does Exodus 20:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 20:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 20:2 means
God introduces Himself to the Israelites by recounting His mighty act of delivering them from slavery in Egypt. This self-identification establishes the basis for His authority and their obligation to obey. He is not just any god, but their personal God who redeemed them from bondage, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. This historical act of salvation precedes and undergirds all the commands that follow, emphasizing that their obedience flows from a relationship with their rescuer, not merely from a list of rules.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I am the Lord your God who took you out of the land of Egypt, out of the prison-house.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I <FI>am<Fi> Jehovah thy God, who hath brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of a house of servants.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I am Jehovah thyGod, who have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Context
Following the introduction of God speaking, this verse provides the foundational premise for the Ten Commandments. Before any command is given, God reminds Israel of His identity as their redeemer. This context is vital because it shows that the commandments are given by a God who has already demonstrated His love and power towards them, making the subsequent laws a guide for living in covenant with their deliverer.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 17:7
And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee.
- Psalms 81:10
I am Jehovah thy God, Who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt: Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
- Deuteronomy 26:6
And the Egyptians dealt ill with us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:
- Deuteronomy 13:10
And thou shalt stone him to death with stones, because he hath sought to draw thee away from Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
- Leviticus 23:43
that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am Jehovah your God.
- Deuteronomy 7:8
but because Jehovah loveth you, and because he would keep the oath which he sware unto your fathers, hath Jehovah brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
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