Genesis 13:9

Authorized King James Version

Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֲלֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כָל

H3605

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

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

Is not the whole land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְפָנֶ֔יךָ

H6440

before thee

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

הִפָּ֥רֶד

H6504

separate thyself

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

נָ֖א

H4994

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

מֵֽעָלָ֑י

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אִם

H518

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

הַשְּׂמֹ֣אל

H8040

I pray thee from me if thou wilt take the left hand

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

#10

וְאֵימִ֔נָה

H3231

then I will go to the right

to be right-handed or take the right-hand side

#11

וְאִם

H518

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

#12

הַיָּמִ֖ין

H3225

or if thou depart to the right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

#13

וְאַשְׂמְאִֽילָה׃

H8041

then I will go to the left

to use the left hand or pass in that direction

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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