Genesis 13:14

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיהוָ֞ה

H3068

And the LORD

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

אָמַ֣ר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְרָ֗ם

H87

unto Abram

abram, the original name of abraham

אַֽחֲרֵי֙

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הִפָּֽרֶד

H6504

was separated

to break through, i.e., spread or separate (oneself)

ל֣וֹט

H3876

that Lot

lot, abraham's nephew

מֵֽעִמּ֔וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שָׂ֣א

H5375

from him Lift up

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

#10

נָ֤א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#11

עֵינֶ֙יךָ֙

H5869

now thine eyes

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

#12

וּרְאֵ֔ה

H7200

and look

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

#13

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#14

הַמָּק֖וֹם

H4725

from 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)

#15

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#16

אַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#17

שָׁ֑ם

H8033

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

#18

צָפֹ֥נָה

H6828

where thou art northward

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

#19

וָנֶ֖גְבָּה

H5045

and southward

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

#20

וָקֵ֥דְמָה

H6924

and eastward

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

#21

וָיָֽמָּה׃

H3220

and westward

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

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 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
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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