Genesis 19:13

Authorized King James Version

For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
לְשַֽׁחֲתָֽהּ׃
us to destroy
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#3
אֲנַ֔חְנוּ
For we
we
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַמָּק֖וֹם
this place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#6
הַזֶּ֑ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
גָדְלָ֤ה
is waxen great
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#9
צַֽעֲקָתָם֙
because the cry of them
a shriek
#10
אֶת
before
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#11
פְּנֵ֣י
the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#12
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֥נוּ
hath sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#14
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
לְשַֽׁחֲתָֽהּ׃
us to destroy
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (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 sovereignty 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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