Genesis 11:31

Authorized King James Version

And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֨ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

תֶּ֜רַח

H8646

And Terah

terach, the father of abraham; also a place in the desert

אֶת

H853

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

אַבְרָ֣ם

H87

Abram

abram, the original name of abraham

בְּנ֑וֹ

H1121

his son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְאֶת

H853

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

ל֤וֹט

H3876

and Lot

lot, abraham's nephew

בְּנ֑וֹ

H1121

his son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הָרָן֙

H2039

of Haran

haran, the name of two men

#10

בְּנ֑וֹ

H1121

his son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

בְּנ֑וֹ

H1121

his son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

וְאֵת֙

H853

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

#13

שָׂרַ֣י

H8297

and Sarai

sarai, the wife of abraham

#14

כַּלָּת֔וֹ

H3618

his daughter in law

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

#15

אֵ֖שֶׁת

H802

wife

a woman

#16

אַבְרָ֣ם

H87

Abram

abram, the original name of abraham

#17

בְּנ֑וֹ

H1121

his son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#18

וַיֵּֽצְא֨וּ

H3318

and they went forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#19

אִתָּ֜ם

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#20

מֵא֣וּר

H218

with them from Ur

ur, a place in chaldaea

#21

כַּשְׂדִּ֗ים

H3778

of the Chaldees

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

#22

לָלֶ֙כֶת֙

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#23

אַ֣רְצָה

H776

into the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#24

כְּנַ֔עַן

H3667

of Canaan

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

#25

וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ

H935

and they came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#26

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#27

חָרָ֖ן

H2771

unto Haran

charan, the name of a man

#28

וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ

H3427

and dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#29

שָֽׁם׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
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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