Genesis 18:8

Authorized King James Version

And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֨ח

H3947

And he took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

חֶמְאָ֜ה

H2529

butter

curdled milk or cheese

וְחָלָ֗ב

H2461

and milk

milk (as the richness of kine)

וּבֶן

H1121

and the calf

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

הַבָּקָר֙

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

עָשָׂ֔ה

H6213

which he had dressed

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

וַיִּתֵּ֖ן

H5414

and set

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם

H6440

it before them

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#10

וְהֽוּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#11

עֹמֵ֧ד

H5975

and he stood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#12

עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם

H5921

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

#13

תַּ֥חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#14

הָעֵ֖ץ

H6086

by them under the tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#15

וַיֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃

H398

and they did eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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