Genesis 11:15

Authorized King James Version

And Salah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְחִי
lived
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#2
שֶׁ֗לַח
And Salah
shelach, a postdiluvian patriarch
#3
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#4
וַיּ֥וֹלֶד
and begat
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
עֵ֔בֶר
Eber
eber, the name of two patriarchs and four israelites
#7
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
and three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#8
שָׁנָ֑ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#9
וְאַרְבַּ֥ע
four
four
#10
מֵא֖וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#11
שָׁנָ֑ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#12
וַיּ֥וֹלֶד
and begat
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#13
בָּנִ֖ים
sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
וּבָנֽוֹת׃
and daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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