Genesis 11:21

Authorized King James Version

And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְחִ֣י

H2421

lived

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

רְע֗וּ

H7466

And Reu

reu, a postdiluvian patriarch

אַֽחֲרֵי֙

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וַיּ֥וֹלֶד

H3205

and begat

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת

H853

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

שְׂר֔וּג

H8286

Serug

serug, a postdiluvian patriarch

שֶׁ֥בַע

H7651

and seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שָׁנָ֑ה

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

וּמָאתַ֣יִם

H3967

two hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

#10

שָׁנָ֑ה

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

#11

וַיּ֥וֹלֶד

H3205

and begat

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

#12

בָּנִ֖ים

H1121

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

#13

וּבָנֽוֹת׃

H1323

and daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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