Genesis 14:13

Authorized King James Version

And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹא֙
And there came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
הַפָּלִ֔יט
one that had escaped
a refugee
#3
וַיַּגֵּ֖ד
and told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#4
אַבְרָֽם׃
H87
with Abram
abram, the original name of abraham
#5
הָֽעִבְרִ֑י
the Hebrew
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
#6
וְהוּא֩
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
שֹׁכֵ֨ן
for he dwelt
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#8
בְּאֵֽלֹנֵ֜י
in the plain
an oak or other strong tree
#9
מַמְרֵ֣א
of Mamre
mamre, an amorite
#10
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֗י
the Amorite
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
#11
וַֽאֲחִ֣י
and brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#12
אֶשְׁכֹּל֙
of Eshcol
eshcol, the name of an amorite, also of a valley in palestine
#13
וַֽאֲחִ֣י
and brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#14
עָנֵ֔ר
of Aner
aner, a amorite, also a place in palestine
#15
וְהֵ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#16
בַּֽעֲלֵ֥י
and these were confederate
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#17
בְרִית
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#18
אַבְרָֽם׃
H87
with Abram
abram, the original name of abraham

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

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