Genesis 12:2

Authorized King James Version

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶֽעֶשְׂךָ֙
And I will make of thee
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
לְג֣וֹי
nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#3
גָּד֔וֹל
a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#4
וַאֲבָ֣רֶכְךָ֔
and I will bless
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#5
וַֽאֲגַדְּלָ֖ה
great
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#6
שְׁמֶ֑ךָ
thy name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#7
וֶֽהְיֵ֖ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
בְּרָכָֽה׃
and thou shalt be a blessing
benediction; by implication prosperity

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 covenant community 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 literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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