Genesis 19:21

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֔יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הִנֵּה֙

H2009

unto him See

lo!

נָשָׂ֣אתִי

H5375

I have accepted

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

פָנֶ֔יךָ

H6440

thee

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

גַּ֖ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לַדָּבָ֣ר

H1697

concerning this thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֑ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לְבִלְתִּ֛י

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#10

הָפְכִּ֥י

H2015

also that I will not overthrow

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

this city

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

#13

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

for the which

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

#14

דִּבַּֽרְתָּ׃

H1696

thou hast spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation 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 divine revelation. 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?
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 this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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