Genesis 14:24

Authorized King James Version

Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בִּלְעָדַ֗י

H1107

Save

except, without, besides

רַ֚ק

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

only that which

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

אָֽכְל֣וּ

H398

have eaten

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הַנְּעָרִ֔ים

H5288

the young men

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

חֶלְקָֽם׃

H2506

and the portion

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

only that which

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

הָֽלְכ֖וּ

H1980

which went

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#10

אִתִּ֑י

H854

with

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#11

עָנֵר֙

H6063

me Aner

aner, a amorite, also a place in palestine

#12

אֶשְׁכֹּ֣ל

H812

Eshcol

eshcol, the name of an amorite, also of a valley in palestine

#13

וּמַמְרֵ֔א

H4471

and Mamre

mamre, an amorite

#14

הֵ֖ם

H1992

let them

they (only used when emphatic)

#15

יִקְח֥וּ

H3947

take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#16

חֶלְקָֽם׃

H2506

and the portion

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

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 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 revelation. 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

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 does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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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