Genesis 13:10

Authorized King James Version

And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשָּׂא

H5375

lifted up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

ל֣וֹט

H3876

And Lot

lot, abraham's nephew

אֶת

H853

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

עֵינָ֗יו

H5869

his eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַיַּרְא֙

H7200

and beheld

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

כִּכַּ֣ר

H3603

all the plain

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן

H3383

of Jordan

jarden, the principal river of palestine

#10

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#11

כֻלָּ֖הּ

H3605

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

#12

מַשְׁקֶ֑ה

H4945

that it was well watered

properly, causing to drink, i.e., a butler; by implication (intransitively), drink (itself); figuratively, a well-watered region

#13

לִפְנֵ֣י׀

H6440

every where before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#14

שַׁחֵ֣ת

H7843

destroyed

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

#15

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

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

#16

אֶת

H853

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

#17

סְדֹם֙

H5467

Sodom

sedom, a place near the dead sea

#18

וְאֶת

H853

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

#19

עֲמֹרָ֔ה

H6017

and Gomorrah

amorah, a place in palestine

#20

כְּגַן

H1588

even as the garden

a garden (as fenced)

#21

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

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

#22

כְּאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

like the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#23

מִצְרַ֔יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#24

בֹּֽאֲכָ֖ה

H935

as thou comest

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

#25

צֹֽעַר׃

H6820

unto Zoar

tsoar, a place east of the jordan

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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