Genesis 18:4

Authorized King James Version

Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יֻקַּֽח
be fetched
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
נָ֣א
I pray you
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#3
מְעַט
Let a little
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
#4
מַ֔יִם
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#5
וְרַֽחֲצ֖וּ
and wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#6
רַגְלֵיכֶ֑ם
your feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#7
וְהִֽשָּׁעֲנ֖וּ
and rest yourselves
to support one's self
#8
תַּ֥חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#9
הָעֵֽץ׃
under the tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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

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