Genesis 19:11

Authorized King James Version

And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְֽאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
הָאֲנָשִׁ֞ים
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
הַפָּֽתַח׃
that were at the door
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
#5
הַבַּ֗יִת
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
הִכּוּ֙
And they smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#7
בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֔ים
with blindness
(in plural) blindness
#8
מִקָּטֹ֖ן
both small
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#9
וְעַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#10
גָּד֑וֹל
and great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#11
וַיִּלְא֖וּ
so that they wearied
to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted
#12
לִמְצֹ֥א
themselves to find
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#13
הַפָּֽתַח׃
that were at the door
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

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

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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