Genesis 15:14

Authorized King James Version

And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְגַ֧ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַגּ֛וֹי
And also that nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#4
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
יַֽעֲבֹ֖דוּ
whom they shall serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#6
דָּ֣ן
will I judge
to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)
#7
אָנֹ֑כִי
i
#8
וְאַֽחֲרֵי
and afterward
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#9
כֵ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#10
יֵֽצְא֖וּ
shall they come out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#11
בִּרְכֻ֥שׁ
substance
property (as gathered)
#12
גָּדֽוֹל׃
with great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of covenant community 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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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