Genesis 16:13

Authorized King James Version

And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּקְרָ֤א
And she called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
שֵׁם
the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#3
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
הַדֹּבֵ֣ר
that spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#5
אֵלֶ֔יהָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
אַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#7
אֵ֣ל
unto her Thou God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#8
רֳאִ֑י
seest me
sight, whether abstractly (vision) or concretely (a spectacle)
#9
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
אָֽמְרָ֗ה
for she said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
הֲגַ֥ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#12
הֲלֹ֛ם
Have I also here
hither
#13
רֹאִֽי׃
looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#14
אַֽחֲרֵ֥י
after him
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#15
רֹאִֽי׃
looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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