Genesis 19:16

Authorized King James Version

And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיִּתְמַהְמָ֓הּ׀

H4102

And while he lingered

properly, to question or hesitate, i.e., (by implication) to be reluctant

וַיַּֽחֲזִ֨יקוּ

H2388

laid hold

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֜ים

H376

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)

וּבְיַד֙

H3027

and upon the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וּבְיַד֙

H3027

and upon the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אִשְׁתּ֗וֹ

H802

of his wife

a woman

וּבְיַד֙

H3027

and upon the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שְׁתֵּ֣י

H8147

of his two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְנֹתָ֔יו

H1323

daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#10

בְּחֶמְלַ֥ת

H2551

being merciful

commiseration

#11

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

עָלָ֑יו

H5921

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

#13

וַיֹּֽצִאֻ֥הוּ

H3318

unto him and they brought him forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#14

וַיַּנִּחֻ֖הוּ

H3240

and set him

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

#15

מִח֥וּץ

H2351

without

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

#16

לָעִֽיר׃

H5892

the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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