Genesis 12:5

Authorized King James Version

And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֣ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אַבְרָם֩

H87

And Abram

abram, the original name of abraham

אֶת

H853

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

שָׂרַ֨י

H8297

Sarai

sarai, the wife of abraham

אִשְׁתּ֜וֹ

H802

his wife

a woman

וְאֶת

H853

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

ל֣וֹט

H3876

and Lot

lot, abraham's nephew

בֶּן

H1121

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

אָחִ֗יו

H251

his brother's

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#10

וְאֶת

H853

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

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

רְכוּשָׁם֙

H7399

and all their substance

property (as gathered)

#13

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

רָכָ֔שׁוּ

H7408

that they had gathered

to lay up, i.e., collect

#15

וְאֶת

H853

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

#16

הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ

H5315

and the souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#17

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#18

עָשׂ֣וּ

H6213

that they had gotten

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

#19

בְחָרָ֑ן

H2771

in Haran

charan, the name of a man

#20

וַיֵּֽצְא֗וּ

H3318

and they went forth

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

#21

לָלֶ֙כֶת֙

H1980

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

#22

אַ֥רְצָה

H776

and into the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#23

כְּנָֽעַן׃

H3667

of Canaan

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

#24

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ

H935

they came

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

#25

אַ֥רְצָה

H776

and into the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#26

כְּנָֽעַן׃

H3667

of Canaan

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

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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

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?
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?
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?

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