Genesis 12:15

Authorized King James Version

The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּרְא֤וּ
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
אֹתָהּ֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
שָׂרֵ֣י
The princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#4
פַּרְעֹֽה׃
Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#5
וַיְהַֽלְל֥וּ
her and commended
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
#6
אֹתָ֖הּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
אֶל
her before
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
פַּרְעֹֽה׃
Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#9
וַתֻּקַּ֥ח
was taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#10
הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה
and the woman
a woman
#11
בֵּ֥ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
פַּרְעֹֽה׃
Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

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

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

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