Genesis 19:17

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִי֩

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְהֽוֹצִיאָ֨ם

H3318

And it came to pass when they had brought them forth

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

אֹתָ֜ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַח֗וּצָה

H2351

abroad

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

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

that he said

to say (used with great latitude)

הִמָּלֵ֖ט

H4422

Escape

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

עַל

H5921

for

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

נַפְשֶׁ֔ךָ

H5315

thy life

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#10

תַּבִּ֣יט

H5027

look

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

#11

אַֽחֲרֶ֔יךָ

H310

not behind thee

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#12

וְאַֽל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#13

תַּעֲמֹ֖ד

H5975

neither stay

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

#14

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#15

הַכִּכָּ֑ר

H3603

thou in all the plain

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

#16

הָהָ֥רָה

H2022

to the mountain

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#17

הִמָּלֵ֖ט

H4422

Escape

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

#18

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

#19

תִּסָּפֶֽה׃

H5595

lest thou be consumed

properly, to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e., to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e., to scatter, remove, or r

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of life reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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