Genesis 15:5

Authorized King James Version

And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיּוֹצֵ֨א

H3318

And he brought him forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֹת֜וֹ

H853

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

הַח֗וּצָה

H2351

abroad

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

הַבֶּט

H5027

Look

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

נָ֣א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

הַשָּׁמַ֗יְמָה

H8064

now toward heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

לִסְפֹּ֣ר

H5608

and tell

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

הַכּ֣וֹכָבִ֔ים

H3556

the stars

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

#10

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

תּוּכַ֖ל

H3201

if thou be able

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#12

לִסְפֹּ֣ר

H5608

and tell

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

#13

אֹתָ֑ם

H853

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

#14

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#15

ל֔וֹ

#16

כֹּ֥ה

H3541

unto him So

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

#17

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

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

#18

זַרְעֶֽךָ׃

H2233

shall thy seed

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

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 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

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?
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 passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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