Genesis 15:13

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not their's, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

לְאַבְרָ֗ם

H87

unto Abram

abram, the original name of abraham

תֵּדַ֜ע

H3045

Know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

תֵּדַ֜ע

H3045

Know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

גֵ֣ר׀

H1616

shall be a stranger

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

זַרְעֲךָ֗

H2233

that thy seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

בְּאֶ֙רֶץ֙

H776

in a land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#11

לָהֶ֔ם

#12

וַֽעֲבָד֖וּם

H5647

that is not theirs and shall serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#13

וְעִנּ֣וּ

H6031

them and they shall afflict

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

#14

אֹתָ֑ם

H853

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

#15

אַרְבַּ֥ע

H702

them four

four

#16

מֵא֖וֹת

H3967

hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

#17

שָׁנָֽה׃

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

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

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
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?

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