Genesis 19:26

Authorized King James Version

But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתַּבֵּ֥ט
looked back
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
#2
אִשְׁתּ֖וֹ
But his wife
a woman
#3
מֵאַֽחֲרָ֑יו
from behind him
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#4
וַתְּהִ֖י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
נְצִ֥יב
and she became a pillar
something stationary, i.e., a prefect, a military post, a statue
#6
מֶֽלַח׃
of salt
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

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 revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

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