5578. And it came to pass. That this signifies what is new, is evident from the signification of “it was,” or “it came to pass,” as involving a new state (see n, 4979, 4987, 4999, 5074, 5466). In the original tongue the meaning was not at first distinguished by punctuation, but the text was continuous, in imitation of heavenly speech; and instead of punctuation marks, “and” was used, and also “it was,” or “it came to pass.” This is the reason why these words occur so often, and why “it was,” or “it came to pass,” signifies something new.

5074. And it came to pass. That this signifies a new state and the things which follow, is evident from the fact that the expression “it came to pass,” or “it was,” in the Word, involves a new state (see n. 4979, 4999); and that in the original language it serves as a mark of distinction between the series of things which precede and those which follow (see n. 4987); hence it also signifies the things which follow.