Genesis 12:6

Authorized King James Version

And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֤ר
passed through
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#2
אַבְרָם֙
H87
And Abram
abram, the original name of abraham
#3
בָּאָֽרֶץ׃
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
עַ֚ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
מְק֣וֹם
unto the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#6
שְׁכֶ֔ם
of Sichem
shekem, a place in palestine
#7
עַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#8
אֵל֣וֹן
unto the plain
an oak or other strong tree
#9
מוֹרֶ֑ה
of Moreh
moreh, a canaanite; also a hill (perhaps named from him)
#10
וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖י
And the Canaanite
a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
#11
אָ֥ז
was then
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#12
בָּאָֽרֶץ׃
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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

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