Genesis 18:19

Authorized King James Version

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

יְדַעְתִּ֗יו

H3045

For I know

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

לְמַעַן֩

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

אֲשֶׁר

H834

him that

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְצַוֶּ֜ה

H6680

he will command

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת

H853

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

בָּנָ֤יו

H1121

his children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְאֶת

H853

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

בֵּיתוֹ֙

H1004

and his household

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#10

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו

H310

after him

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#11

וְשָֽׁמְרוּ֙

H8104

and they shall keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#12

דֶּ֣רֶךְ

H1870

the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#13

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#14

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת

H6213

to do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

צְדָקָ֖ה

H6666

justice

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

#16

וּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט

H4941

and judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#17

לְמַ֗עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#18

הָבִ֤יא

H935

may bring

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

#19

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#20

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#21

אַבְרָהָ֔ם

H85

upon Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

#22

אֵ֥ת

H853

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

#23

אֲשֶׁר

H834

him that

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#24

דִּבֶּ֖ר

H1696

that which he hath spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#25

עָלָֽיו׃

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of justice reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 justice. 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 justice in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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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