Genesis 12:18

Authorized King James Version

And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקְרָ֤א

H7121

called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

פַרְעֹה֙

H6547

And Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

לְאַבְרָ֔ם

H87

Abram

abram, the original name of abraham

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

זֹּ֖את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

עָשִׂ֣יתָ

H6213

What is this that thou hast done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִּ֑י

לָ֚מָּה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#10

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

הִגַּ֣דְתָּ

H5046

unto me why didst thou not tell

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#12

לִּ֔י

#13

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

אִשְׁתְּךָ֖

H802

me that she was thy wife

a woman

#15

הִֽוא׃

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?

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