Genesis 19:29

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְּשַׁחֵ֤ת
destroyed
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#3
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
And it came to pass when God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הֶ֣עָרִ֔ים
the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
הַכִּכָּ֔ר
of 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
#7
וַיִּזְכֹּ֥ר
remembered
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#8
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
And it came to pass when God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
אַבְרָהָ֑ם
H85
Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram
#11
וַיְשַׁלַּ֤ח
and sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
לֽוֹט׃
Lot
lot, abraham's nephew
#14
מִתּ֣וֹךְ
out of the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#15
הַֽהֲפֵכָ֔ה
of the overthrow
destruction
#16
בַּֽהֲפֹךְ֙
when he overthrew
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
#17
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
הֶ֣עָרִ֔ים
the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#19
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#20
יָשַׁ֥ב
dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#21
בָּהֵ֖ן
in the which
they (only used when emphatic)
#22
לֽוֹט׃
Lot
lot, abraham's nephew

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 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

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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