Genesis 18:5

Authorized King James Version

And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶקְחָ֨ה
And I will fetch
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
פַת
a morsel
a bit
#3
לֶ֜חֶם
of bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#4
וְסַֽעֲד֤וּ
and comfort ye
to support (mostly figurative)
#5
לִבְּכֶם֙
your hearts
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#6
אַחַ֣ר
after that
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#7
עֲבַרְתֶּ֖ם
for therefore are ye come
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
עַֽל
to
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
כֵּ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#11
עֲבַרְתֶּ֖ם
for therefore are ye come
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#12
עַֽל
to
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
עַבְדְּכֶ֑ם
your servant
a servant
#14
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
as thou hast said
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
כֵּ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#16
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
So do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#17
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
דִּבַּֽרְתָּ׃
And they said
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

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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