Genesis 12:8

Authorized King James Version

And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּעְתֵּ֨ק

H6275

And he removed

to remove (intransitive or transitive) figuratively, to grow old; specifically, to transcribe

מִשָּׁ֜ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

הָהָ֗רָה

H2022

from thence unto a mountain

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

מִקֶּ֔דֶם

H6924

on the east

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

לְבֵֽית

אֵ֤ל

H1008

having Bethel

beth-el, a place in palestine

וַיֵּ֣ט

H5186

and pitched

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אָֽהֳלֹ֑ה

H168

his tent

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

בֵּֽית

#10

אֵ֤ל

H1008

having Bethel

beth-el, a place in palestine

#11

מִיָּם֙

H3220

on the west

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

#12

וְהָעַ֣י

H5857

and Hai

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

#13

מִקֶּ֔דֶם

H6924

on the east

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

#14

וַיִּֽבֶן

H1129

and there he builded

to build (literally and figuratively)

#15

שָׁ֤ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#16

מִזְבֵּ֙חַ֙

H4196

an altar

#17

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#18

וַיִּקְרָ֖א

H7121

and called

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

#19

בְּשֵׁ֥ם

H8034

upon the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#20

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty. 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 this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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