Genesis 14:3

Authorized King James Version

All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
אֵ֙לֶּה֙
these or those
#3
חָֽבְר֔וּ
All these were joined together
to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
עֵ֖מֶק
in the vale
a vale (i.e., broad depression)
#6
הַשִּׂדִּ֑ים
of Siddim
siddim, a valley in palestine
#7
ה֖וּא
which
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
#8
יָ֥ם
sea
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
#9
הַמֶּֽלַח׃
is the salt
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

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

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

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