Genesis 19:22

Authorized King James Version

Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מַהֵר֙

H4116

Haste

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

הִמָּלֵ֣ט

H4422

thee 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

שָׁ֔מָּה

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אוּכַל֙

H3201

thither for I cannot

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

דָּבָ֔ר

H1697

any thing

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

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#10

בֹּֽאֲךָ֖

H935

till thou be come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

שָׁ֑מָּה

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#12

עַל

H5921

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

#13

כֵּ֛ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#14

קָרָ֥א

H7121

was called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#15

שֵׁם

H8034

thither Therefore the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#16

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

of the city

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

#17

צֽוֹעַר׃

H6820

Zoar

tsoar, a place east of the jordan

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?

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