Genesis 14:7

Authorized King James Version

And they returned, and came to En-mishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezon-tamar.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַ֠יָּשֻׁבוּ

H7725

And they returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ

H935

and came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֵ֤ין

מִשְׁפָּט֙

H5880

Enmishpat

en-mishpat, a place near palestine

הִ֣וא

H1931

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

קָדֵ֔שׁ

H6946

which is Kadesh

kadesh, a place in the desert

וַיַּכּ֕וּ

H5221

and smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶֽת

H853

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

#10

כָּל

H3605

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

#11

שְׂדֵ֖ה

H7704

all the country

a field (as flat)

#12

הָעֲמָֽלֵקִ֑י

H6003

of the Amalekites

an amalekite (or collectively the amalekites) or descendants of amalek

#13

וְגַם֙

H1571

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

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

הָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י

H567

and also the Amorites

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

#16

הַיֹּשֵׁ֖ב

H3427

that dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#17

בְּחַֽצְצֹ֥ן

#18

תָּמָֽר׃

H2688

in Hazezontamar

chatsetson-tamar, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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?

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