Genesis 13:16

Authorized King James Version

And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְשַׂמְתִּ֥י

H7760

And I will make

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֶֽת

H853

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

זַרְעֲךָ֖

H2233

then shall thy seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

עֲפַ֣ר

H6083

as the dust

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀

H834

so that

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

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יוּכַ֣ל

H3201

can

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

אִ֗ישׁ

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#10

יִמָּנֶֽה׃

H4487

also be numbered

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

עֲפַ֣ר

H6083

as the dust

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

#13

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

גַּֽם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#15

זַרְעֲךָ֖

H2233

then shall thy seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#16

יִמָּנֶֽה׃

H4487

also be numbered

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation 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?
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?

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